Published: Wednesday, 10th November 2021
A step towards unlocking the potential of King’s Lynn’s riverside has been taken with the marketing for redevelopment of two key sites.
The Borough Council is seeking a partner to lead the sympathetic redevelopment of the former Sommerfeld and Thomas warehouse and the neighbouring grain silo site. Proposals would be required to ensure the historic Grade II listed Sommerfeld and Thomas building is retained and enhanced.
Potential partners expressing an interest in the development of the two sites will also help inform the design requirements of the public realm improvements to the south of Devil’s Alley, a site which has been earmarked for regeneration through the Town Investment Plan.
The sites – which are being marketed as one opportunity - offer potential for a mix of uses and would act as a catalyst for further development to realise the vision to regenerate the riverside. The possible uses could include residential, commercial and office space, restaurants, shops, community use, entertainment, recreational, and leisure activities.
The proposed regeneration of the riverside is included in the Local Plan and the Town Investment Plan. Town Deal funding which was announced this summer, along with funding from the Borough Council and Norfolk Business Rates Pool, is enabling the sites to be taken forward for redevelopment.
Councillor Richard Blunt, Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration said:
“The marketing of these sites is an important step towards regenerating the riverside area.
“It will allow this part of the waterfront to be brought to life through a range of uses that will attract new businesses, employment and visitors to enhance this whole area.”
“What will be crucial is that any proposals sensitively reflect the heritage of the area and complement the local environment.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the right partner to work with us to deliver our ambitions for the riverside, and play a role in the wider programme of regeneration for King’s Lynn.”
Graham Purkins, Chair of the Town Deal Board said:
“Regenerating the riverside is one of the priorities in the Town Investment Plan and our previous consultation with the community has shown us that local people would value improvements that maximise use of the riverfront.
“The riverside is an area of important historic heritage for King’s Lynn and the marketing of these sites is an important milestone towards bringing significant improvements to enhance this area as a place to live, work and visit.
“The regeneration of this area would complement the other projects that are planned for King’s Lynn, which together will bring significant benefits for our town.
“We look forward to progressing the plans for the riverside.”
Tom Marshall, Partner with Gerald Eve which is marketing the sites said:
“This is a rare and exciting opportunity to bring an integral part of the waterfront back to life as part of the wider Town Investment Plan.”
The marketing of the sites will be open for tenders until 21 January 2022.
As the project moves forward, there will be opportunities for the public to get involved in consultation and engagement.