New community hub enters next key phase as main contractor is appointed

The Multi-use Community Hub in King's Lynn has reached an exciting milestone as the main contractor for the build is announced.

Mace, the international consultancy and construction firm, that has previously worked on other County Council projects, has been appointed to bring the vision of a central community hub to life by transforming 46 New Conduit Street in the town centre.

Working with Mace, the design team are focused on embedding sustainability throughout the project. The team are committed to producing a low-carbon building, by both limiting the amount of carbon produced by retaining and using elements of the existing structure and reducing the demand for energy and water consumption through the use of sustainable materials and interventions including a blue roof, which reuses captured rainwater, and electricity generating solar panels.

Throughout the build, the teams will work to use sustainable design-led thinking and strategies that focus on using less...less materials, less carbon, less energy, less natural resources. Exploring re-use of existing structures, minimising environmental impact and operational costs, and aligning with Norfolk County Councils goal to be Net Zero by 2030.

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: "The appointment of a contractor is a key step which will allow the project to progress quickly to enable us to better serve the residents of King's Lynn. It follows a successful purchase of the building by the County Council, where the new hub will be located, and leads us nicely into the next stage of design.

"Mace have delivered modern projects for us recently, including some of the refurbishment of County Hall, and we are looking forward to working with them on this transformative project."

Stewart Ward, Managing Director for Mace Interiors, said: "Following the success of our last project with Norfolk County Council, we are looking forward to working together again to bring to life the vision of a new multi-use hub.

"Sustainability is at the heart of this low-carbon project, meaning we are able to drive forward our ambition to pursue a sustainable world - while also delivering a new facility to support the local community."

Revd Dr Jane Steen, Bishop of Lynn, Member of the King's Lynn Town Deal Board and project champion for the Multi-User Community Hub, said: "A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes to bring forward this exciting project. It will bring state-of-the-art facilities to the town, with welcoming community spaces, new and improved educational opportunities, and a fit-for-the-future library, all designed to help enable everyone in King's Lynn and the wider area to flourish.  I am looking forward to seeing the next phase of design as we work towards delivery of this wonderful facility."

Cllr Jim Moriarty, Deputy Leader of the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "Regeneration of this unused and unsightly building in a prime location in town is desperately needed. This project will create a space that will facilitate learning and help improve people's skills, provide a modern and accessible library, and offer opportunities to support our west Norfolk communities. A lot of hard work has gone into securing the funding for this project and purchasing the building.  I'd like to thank all the officers involved at both the borough council and the county council, and also the King's Lynn Town Deal Board members for their input. We are now moving into a really exciting phase, which will include further community engagement, as the contractor develops their designs for the building."

Cllr Lesley Bambridge, Norfolk County Council member for King's Lynn North and Central, said: "The Library Service will be able to offer much more in the new location. There will still be a large selection of books but, in addition, more space for community activities, adult learning, IT availability and opportunities for both young people and older people to come to together to learn new skills or to enjoy just meeting up."

The new hub will house the library, Adult Learning facilities, and offer the right services and support in a single, accessible venue.

The £12m project now also enters RIBA Stage 2, which will see more detailed concept designs drawn up for the building and will start to bring the future community hub to life by exploring the project vision, testing out layouts and starting to consider the practicalities - how will the new building function.