King's Lynn St George's Guildhall revamp given go-ahead

Plans to restore St George's Guildhall in King's Lynn, which has been entertaining crowds since 1406, have been in the works for the last five years.

It is hoped the renovations, which include creating a new cafe-bar area, workshop and exhibition space and an update of the Riverside Restaurant, will secure the future of the complex.

An aerial view of the St George's Guildhall complex in King's Lynn (Image: West Norfolk Council)

The multi-million pound project seeks to restore the Grade I listed National Trust building and its surroundings to enhance the site's historic significance and ensure its long-term prospects. 

At a recent West Norfolk Council planning committee meeting, members voted to approve the scheme.

Tim FitzHigham, the creative director of the Guildhall (Image: Newsquest)

Tim FitzHigham, who is leading the project, told councillors: "This provides a future for a much-loved building. It will unlock a huge potential, not just for King's Lynn but the entire region." 

However there remains a significant gap in funding needed to bring the project to complete fruition.

It needs to find at least £3m to meet the predicted costs as the amount granted by the Town Deal fund does not cover the entire cost.

The St George's Guildhall complex in King's Lynn (Image: Matthew Usher)

Councillor Richard Blunt suggested that the plans might potentially need to change due to being too expensive.

Tony Parish, chairman of the committee, added: "I would like to know where all the money comes from and if it isn't forthcoming from external sources there may be issues."

Councillors hope the recent discoveries that link the theatre with William Shakespeare will help generate more funding for the scheme.

A hatch has been installed so visitors can view the medieval floorboards (Image: West Norfolk Council)

Recent finds during restoration work include medieval floorboards thought to have been trodden on by the Bard, and an archway believed to have led to his dressing room.

What the revamped courtyard area could look like (Image: Haworth Tomkins) 'TRANSFORMATIONAL'

West Norfolk Council estimates that footfall and customer spend could help give a £30M boost to the local economy. 

A large number of jobs would also be created through the project, including during the construction and ongoing operation of the site.

The revamped theatre plans to offer low-cost tickets for local people and school visits, building on the work with community and schools that has already begun.

What the revamped courtyard area could look like (Image: Haworth Tomkins) Councillor Simon Ring, deputy leader and cabinet member for business and culture, said: “The Guildhall is one of King’s Lynn’s best-loved spaces, a true historical gem which can offer even more for local people and visitors alike through its sensitive redevelopment.

“The vision of these plans is the creation of a thriving and inspiring centre, with the unique and important heritage of the Guildhall preserved and protected for future generations to enjoy.

What the revamped courtyard area could look like (Image: Haworth Tomkins) How the interior of the Red Barn could look (Image: Haworth Tomkins)