Sustainable transport and regeneration scheme (STARS)
King's Lynn STARS is a project developed by Norfolk County Council to support more people to walk and cycle in the town.
It aims to create better, more direct links for pedestrians and cyclists together with public transport measures on the gyratory (one way) system, which currently separates the town centre from the railway station and adjacent retail, commercial and residential areas. The proposals will improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists by providing safer new routes and signalised crossings for these users. In addition, changes to the traffic signalled junctions will assist buses.
In 2026 it was announced that Norfolk County Council has secured a commitment of £18.73 million from the Department for Transport towards the £20.81 million project.
This significant national investment, combined with a £2.08 million local contribution, will bring nearly £21 million of improvements to King's Lynn. Norfolk County Council is providing the majority of the local funding and is working with the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk who are also contributing land required for the scheme.
The STARS scheme will see the following proposed improvements being made:
- Bi-directional segregated cycle lane on the eastern side of Railway Road between Austin Street and Waterloo Street, but shared use with pedestrians down to Blackfriars Road.
- John Kennedy Road - Provision of improved walking and cycling facilities between Austin Street and Loke Road.
- Blackfriars Street - Provision of improved walking and cycling facilities between Railway Road and Baxter's Plain, including new crossings at the Railway Road/Blackfriars Road/St James Road/Blackfriars Street junction.
- Baxter's Plain - Improved public realm and pedestrian environment in the area around the new Multi User Community Hub.
- Guanock Terrace/Windsor Terrace - Provision of improved walking and cycling facilities between London Road and The Walks.
Baxter's Plain
The proposals for Baxter's Plain would provide pedestrian and public realm improvements in the area around the new Community Hub. These improvements seek to create a more attractive and vibrant area, provide a pedestrian friendly environment and create enhanced green infrastructure through new trees and planting.
A report that establishes the vision for this space, has already been produced and can be viewed online at Baxters Plain - Vision King's Lynn
Originally, the scheme proposed the replacement of the existing Southgates roundabout with two signal-controlled junctions, however due to increased funding pressures, the scheme was revised and this element of the scheme was removed.
A public consultation on King's Lynn STARS is planned for later in 2026, when people will be able to find out more about the proposals and share their views.
