Community hubs

Our ambitious community hubs are poised to transform the local landscape. These hubs are more than just buildings; they are dynamic spaces that unite libraries, adult learning and other services, all under one roof. The hubs bring together a network of partners to prove a wide range of services that cater to the needs of our vibrant communities.

Strategically located in town centres, our community hubs will breathe new life to these urban spaces. We aim to empower residents with the skills, services and support they need to flourish. Not only will the hubs drive prosperity, but they will also help revitalise town centres and attract more visitors.

While our community hubs share overarching goals, we recognise their success lies in understanding the needs of each local community.

King's Lynn

This community hub sees the redevelopment of the vacant Argos building at the heart of the town centre into a dynamic and accessible building that reimagines community space. Hosting our King's Lynn library, it will also bring together other council and partner's services, all carefully tailored to the needs of local people.

More than bricks and mortar, the revitalised building will become a community asset, offering multi-purpose spaces for a range of events, classes and activities. A welcoming, safe space where a range of partners offer support and people can connect, learn, be inspired and find the resources they need to thrive.

The project will cost £12.4m and is mainly funded through King's Lynn's Town Deal, which is providing £7.4m, with Norfolk County Council providing additional funds of £5m. Our aim is to open its doors in autumn 2025.

Find out more about the Multi-User Community Hub on the Vision King's Lynn website.

As always, your feedback continues to be invaluable, and is guiding the project at every step of the way. We asked, you said, we did.

Find out how your latest feedback is driving our design decisions

Work has now begun on the site. Keep in the loop on the latest progress and receive regular updates below:

Great Yarmouth

Construction has started on ambitious £17m regeneration plans to turn the former Palmers department store in Great Yarmouth into a new public library and university and learning centre called The Place.

The Place will be home to our Great Yarmouth public library along with adult learning, registry office and other community services such as Citizens Advice. The new University Learning Centre at The Place will see East Coast College and the University of Suffolk offer degree and diploma courses, as well as access to higher education and adult learning courses.

We are contributing £2m to The Place project - £8.1m is funded from the Government's Town Deal and £3.4m from the Future High Streets Fund. East Coast College and the University of Suffolk are contributing £3.5m.

The aim is to open the hub to students in time for the 2024-2025 academic year, and to the public by the end of 2024.

Find out more about The Place (Former Palmers Department Store) Redevelopment on the Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership website.  

Hunstanton

A transformation is in the works in the Westgate site at the heart of Hunstanton. We're creating a new travel and community hub that will redefine the town experience. The newly refurbished library, complete with adult learning facilities and space for community groups is just the beginning.

There will also be a hub for improved transport connections, sustainability and promoting a net-zero future. This means that the travel and community hub isn't just a stop, it's a destination. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy taking public transport along the stunning coast in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, discovering walking and cycling routes, taking part in community activities and accessing local tourist information.

We're budgeting approximately £2 million for this transformative project, which plans to complete in spring 2025.

If you would like to receive updates on this project, email hunstantonhub@norfolk.gov.uk.