£7.4m funding secured for community hub as business case approved
Funding to build a multi-use community hub in the middle of King's Lynn has been secured by the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk (BCKLWN) and Norfolk County Council (NCC). The Hub will create a place where residents can access a range of public services they value, alongside information and advice they trust, with library and learning at their heart.
The business case was approved in November by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC) which secured the £7.4 million Town Deal Funding. The Business case was highlighted as being a best practice example that clearly demonstrated the need in the town.
This is a significant project for the town, with funding for the project predominantly coming from the Towns Fund and brings a brand-new library and associated facilities, alongside a range of NCC services and programming from Adult Learning and partners which will be tailored to the needs of King's Lynn residents. This is a fantastic opportunity support the development of the Town Centre, which we know is the heart of the community for many, whilst also creating a brand new and improved community offer.
Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: "I'm really pleased that the funding has been secured and we can now move forward with this much needed project. It's important now more than ever to be able to provide services and advice which people can trust, which is why the hub is so important.
"The hub will provide residents with a fantastic place to come together and not just borrow books, but make use of all that is on offer, such as learning, resources, and access to information technology."
Cllr Lesley Bambridge, local member for King's Lynn North and Central, said: "Over the years, I have seen by my many visits to the library, that much more is offered by the service and the new premises will ensure that the wider community will be able to take advantage of what will be available. It will be a place where people can meet, learn new skills both work-related and hobby activities, focussing on toddlers to the elderly."
Cllr Graham Middleton, Deputy Leader of the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk and member of the King's Lynn Town Deal Board, added: "Basing many essential services in this prominent town centre location will make them more accessible for a whole range of people as well as increasing footfall in this part of the town. I would like to thank all the partners involved for all their hard work in developing the business plan and securing the funding for this transformational project."
A tender will shortly be issued to provide the construction of the building, and the next stage of the design will start in spring next year. We are keen to involve the public throughout the process and will be carrying out a consultation to co-design the programmes and services that will be based at the hub, as well as help to shape the designs and branding as they develop. The hub is due to open in September 2025.
This range of services will provide a core environment of well-being, skills development, learning and information. The project has a budget of £12.4 million, with the Towns Fund is providing £7.4 million, and NCC contributing an additional £5 million.
The current library in King's Lynn will stay open until the opening of the hub in 2025.