King's Lynn waterfront regeneration new dryside facilities

West Norfolk Council has drawn up ambitious plans to transform the Ouse riverside in King's Lynn.

They include a revamp of the town's iconic Custom House and the area alongside Devil's Alley.

The Ouse waterfront in King's Lynn (Image: Chris Bishop)

But one of the more modest buildings on Lynn's historic quays is set to lead the charge.

Officials have agreed proposals to convert a humble annexe into dryside facilities for boaters that will include a laundry space, changing and washing amenities, along with an area for the storage and reading of maps.

The building stands next to the former Sommerfeld and Thomas warehouse, which towers over South Quay and was once part of a far larger dockside complex.

An artist's impression of how the annexe will look (Image: BCKLWN)

A planning statement says: "The proximity of the vacant annex building to the Great River Ouse and the South Quay pontoon presents an opportunity to provide facilities for people arriving in King’s Lynn by river whilst activating a vacant building along the significant South Quay.

"A range of related functions is proposed, which will cater for the needs of sailing visitors, and has the opportunity to be opened to wider user groups as required.

"At ground floor towards the rear of the building, facilities are to be provided to allow users to wash/clean their clothing and also source water for their on-going journey.

An artist's impression of part of the revamped quayside (Image: BCKLWN)

"A series of moments to relax are located on the first floor, including a bench with views of the river and a desk intended for the reading of maps as part of users journey planning."

Funds for the waterfront revamp are coming from Lynn's £25m government town deal it secured in 2021.