Published: Thursday, 19th January 2023
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk has been notified of the results of Levelling Up bids in the borough – and it’s good news for the Southgates Masterplan.
The plan will see investment in regeneration of the Southgates area, and redevelopment of the area around the South Gate itself, to create a new park and enhance one of the most important heritage assets in King’s Lynn.
Council leader, Cllr Stuart Dark MBE, said:
“I’m delighted about the Southgates bid. This shows the impact of effective and collaborative working between councils with our officers providing the local knowledge and context. Regeneration of this area will have benefits for business and residents across the borough, as well as enabling us to protect and enhance a much-loved heritage asset.
“It’s even better that this has come on the back of the results of the consultation we did about the masterplan, which told us it was a plan people liked and supported.”
The Southgates area has functioned as the southern entrance into King’s Lynn since the 15th century and is full of heritage assets that illustrate the town’s historical significance, most notably the iconic South Gate itself.
It is now identified as a strategic area for regeneration in the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council’s Heritage Action Zone Programme, the King’s Lynn Transport Strategy and the Town Investment Plan, all of which recognise its potential to create an improved entrance and major economic asset.
The Oasis bid was not successful on its first attempt. Cllr Dark said:
“The result of the Oasis bid is perhaps not surprising, given that it was the first time this bid had been submitted and bids rarely succeed at the first time of asking – indeed the Southgates bid did not succeed at the first try.
“I remain upbeat about this project – as I do about all the work we are doing in Hunstanton.”
The Oasis plan proposed a state-of-the-art new leisure centre for Hunstanton, which would support both the tourism industry and provide new facilities that residents could enjoy all year round. The council will shortly receive detailed feedback on its bid, which will allow it to consider next steps.