Published: Wednesday, 24th May 2023
Multi-award-winning architects Haworth Tompkins have been announced as the architect-led multi-discipline team for the St George's Guildhall and Creative Hub project as part of the Town Deal Programme
Following an invitation to tender, which received the most expressions of interest the borough council has ever received, Haworth Tompkins were selected as preferred bidder to develop the detailed design for St George's Guildhall in King's Lynn. With over 30 years’ experience, and 180 major awards under their belt, Haworth Tompkins pride themselves on the close attention they pay to individual places and cultural situations, seeking to understand both the context and possible future life of clients’ buildings and creating spaces for people and communities. Their project portfolio includes the Grade 2* Battersea Arts Centre, Grade 1 Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Grade 1 Bristol Old Vic and ‘Qq’ (equivalent to Grade 2* in the UK) Malmö Stadsteater. Haworth Tompkins are collaborating with Richard Griffiths Architects on the conservation of the Grade 1 listed buildings along with a team of specialist including Theatre Consultants - Charcoal Blue, Structural Engineers - Momentum and Building Services Engineers - Max Fordham, Access Consultants - HADA and Fire Engineer - The Fire Surgery.
Stakeholder and community engagement and consultation will continue to take place throughout the development of this project, which is due to be completed in 2026.
The Guildhall is the country's oldest working theatre and the only theatre still surviving in which Shakespeare is believed to have performed.
The project, which is led by the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, has secured just over £8m from the Government's Town's Fund, and is set to transform the Guildhall and surrounding buildings into a nationally important cultural heritage site at the heart of King's Lynn's arts and culture scene. The project aims to enhance this jewel in King's Lynn's crown, turning it into a welcoming, flexible and accessible place with a varied programme of cultural, performances and art-based experiences and opportunities.
The project forms part of the King's Lynn Town Investment Plan. It is led by the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, in partnership with Norfolk Museums Service in collaboration with the National Trust.