New visions for future of Kings Lynn Community Hub revealed

Vision for the future of 46 New Conduit Street, King's Lynn, which includes a new library and other services, are being developed and the ongoing work is being put on display for public viewing and feedback.

Two possible visions of the exterior appearance of the building, which will be reworked as part of the project, are being displayed on Wednesday the 8 and Friday the 17 November, from 10am to 4pm, at The Place, Vancouver Quarter, King's Lynn, where staff will be on hand to discuss the plans with members of the public.

In addition, the proposals will be available online at www.norfolk.gov.uk/newcommunityhubs 

The current stage of design is considering what materials can be used to create a striking exterior which is in keeping with the historic built environment of the town. Stone, brickwork and tiles are under consideration, with residents invited to feedback which material they feel most suits the location on New Conduit Street. These materials are in frequent use across the heart of King's Lynn, including on the Customs House, Guildhall, Post Office and other buildings throughout the town centre.

Residents of West Norfolk and users of the library, adult education and employability services are being invited to view the artists impressions of how each material could change the appearance of the exterior of the building, with an opportunity for feedback to be given to shape how these drafts develop over the coming months.

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: "Bringing the former Argos store back into use, and as a key hub for community services, is an important step in keeping King's Lynn town centre a vibrant and prosperous place, but it's equally vital that the new hub contributes to the town visually as well. The teams have started drafting the new designs, but we want local people to get involved with this and give us their views on how they think the town centre should look. We intend to use historic and sustainable materials to create the new look for Conduit Street.

"I want to encourage everyone who visits the town centre to 'take a look' and give us their thoughts on this, to enable us to design a building that is in keeping with the future needs and desires of local people."

Rt Revd Dr Jane Steen, Bishop of Lynn, Member of the King's Lynn Town Deal Board and project champion for the Multi-User Community Hub, said: "The plans for this new hub are great news for King's Lynn's town centre. But if this to be an integral part of the community and our town, it must be a building to be proud of. That means a building that is in keeping with the best of what's already there, bringing out the best for King's Lynn. By getting in touch and telling us what you think of the different materials and concepts, you can play a part in bringing something new to the town that preserves and builds upon what we already love about King's Lynn."

The new multiuse community hub being developed at the former Argos building at 46 New Conduit Street in King's Lynn, will house the King's Lynn library, Adult Learning facilities, careers and employability support and offer the right services and support in a single, accessible venue.

As part of their feedback, residents and service users are also invited to discuss how they would hope to use the building and its facilities, to influence the design work on the interior of the building.

These options have been created by Mace, the international consultancy and construction firm that was appointed earlier this year to transform 46 New Conduit Street into the new Multiuse Community Hub, and the Norfolk County Council design team, with a focus on embedding sustainability throughout the project. The team are committed to producing a low-carbon building, by both limiting the amount of carbon produced by retaining and using elements of the existing structure and reducing the demand for energy and water consumption through the use of sustainable materials and interventions including a blue roof, which reuses captured rainwater, and electricity generating solar panels.

Cllr Lesley Bambridge, Norfolk County Council member for King's Lynn North and Central, said: "It is good for residents to be able to see the proposed visuals so that they can get an idea of what this new, modern centre will look like and what it will provide and this is a chance for everyone to have a say.

"There will still be books which is an important part of the new centre, but there will be spaces available for learning and community activities. The state of the art building will link the old with the new and will enhance the area around Baxter's Plain."

The project will result in £12.4m being invested in the new hub on Conduit Street and is funded by £7.4m from the King's Lynn Town Deal Fund alongside £5m from Norfolk County Council.

With plans for King's Lynn Library to be relocated to the new hub, Norfolk County Council remains committed to maintaining the current site at the Carnegie building for community use. Work is underway to identify the most appropriate use of the building for this purpose in time for the relocation of the library when the new hub opens in 2025.

About the King's Lynn Town Deal Board

The King's Lynn Town Deal Board has brought together a diverse range of individuals representing communities, business, and elected representatives from local authorities. In offering, together, a vision for the town their focus will now be on further strategic opportunities to enhance and grow the prosperity of King's Lynn.

For more information about his and other transformative projects taking place in King's Lynn, visit visionkingslynn.co.uk