A crucial step in the nationally-significant cultural heritage project to breathe new life into Britain’s oldest working theatre is set to be discussed for approval by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.
St George’s Guildhall in King’s Lynn is planned to be sensitively preserved and enhanced by the council as a local, regional and international centre for arts, creativity and theatre for everyone to enjoy, as the flagship project of the King’s Lynn Town Deal regeneration programme.
The transformational Guildhall and Creative Hub project would see the medieval venue, empty buildings and courtyards revived as inspiring, welcoming spaces, creating a heritage destination, new food and drink offer, home for creative industries and year-round programme of performances, events and education programmes.
Now the RIBA Stage 4 design process (covering detailed and technical design) has been completed, the planning and Listed Building consent secured, extensive engagement undertaken, and the main contract tender evaluation has been completed.
As the crucial next step, a report seeking final approval will be considered by councillors next month, setting out the updated programme outputs, costs, business plan, funding and finance plan for consideration.
Preserving the past and creating an exciting future for this important historic site, the cultural hub will add to the local economy by promoting King’s Lynn’s heritage and tantalising links to Shakespeare, creating new jobs and supporting new and existing creative businesses, while remaining a place for the whole community to enjoy.
According to the updated Business Plan and Economic Impact Assessment, the scheme is expected to generate circa £30.8m in economic benefit for the area and create 117 jobs over the initial 15 years period.
To enable this priority project to proceed in a timely manner, the report asks councillors to award the main contract to deliver the scheme and agree spend of up to £30.5m, while authorising officers to continue exploring significant external investment opportunities.
The report explains that the total project cost at RIBA Stage 4 is higher compared to Stage 3, because the scope and ambition of the project has increased to make the most of this unique opportunity for West Norfolk and the UK, alongside inflation affecting the construction industry.
Notably, improvements will be made to King Street’s public realm directly adjacent to the site, subject to planning permission, to significantly help with public access, safety, orientation of visitors and the operational requirements of the regenerated facilities. More public space and office space is also included and an extra outdoor performance area.
In addition, resilience and sustainability have been built in the scheme to meet the borough’s green aspirations, with significant multi-million-pound investment in using air source heat pumps, photovoltaics, building insulation and smart building controls, switching away from mains gas across all refurbished buildings.
Councillor Simon Ring, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Business and Culture, said: “The final go-ahead is ultimately a matter for Full Council, however as Cabinet member I see this as a golden opportunity to restore the historic and theatrical assets of this unique space, while helping to grow local businesses, revitalise the town centre, and enhance the leisure and cultural offer in the historic heart of King’s Lynn.
“The vision is for St George’s Guildhall to become an international visitor attraction and a space for the community, with the business case focussed on new jobs, improved facilities, training and education activities, enhancement to green space, new office and substantial uplifts in visitor footfall to the town and wider region.
“Yes the final costs have increased, largely because our ambition for what it will deliver has increased – we want to do this right, deliver something King’s Lynn can be proud of and benefit from for years to come, making the most of this unique opportunity for our borough.
“With the detailed project development work now completed, councillors have all the information needed to make a final decision to enable this game-changing regeneration project to proceed in a timely manner.
“We already have £8.1m of Government Town Deal investment agreed, with a further £2m being sought, and we’re actively in discussions around securing additional significant external funding, which if successful which will reduce the amount the council ultimately needs to commit.”
The Guildhall site closed to the public in February 2025, ahead of the main contract, to allow the removal of the existing theatre above the medieval floor and more archaeology work to take place. The Guildhall re-opened to the public to enable the project team to share these discoveries with the public. The largest 15th century timber floor is on display for a limited time, until 31 July. It is unique and visitors are encouraged to come and see it before it will need to be covered over to enable its future preservation and safety.
The report is due to be considered by the Regeneration and Development Panel on 1 July, followed by Cabinet on 7 July and Full Council on 17 July. If approved, the main works are expected to start this autumn with the site reopening in 2028.
