Norfolk council adapts plans for Grade I listed building

The Custom House, on Purfleet Quay, could be used for educational and arts projects

A council has adapted proposals for the renovation of a Grade I listed building following a public consultation.

The Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk wants to "transform" the historical riverfront in King's Lynn, which includes the 17th Century Custom House.

When asked by the council, respondents suggested the venue could be used for educational, arts and history projects.

One councillor said plans would be altered following the feedback.

About 200 people attended a consultation on the council's riverfront regeneration proposals and the authority received more than 150 responses to an online survey.

The other changes to the plans for Custom House - which dates from 1683 - included fewer openings to its arcades, and revisions to the height and number of lighting columns on Purfleet Quay on the riverfront.

'People's aspirations'

Alistair Beales, the council's cabinet member for business, said: "The Custom House is an iconic building and we are fully committed to ensuring that it is carefully and sensitively restored in a way that is respectful of its heritage. Like everyone, we want to see it once again open its doors for public use.

"We have listened to what we have heard and accordingly we are in the process of adapting the designs to reflect key emerging themes from our public feedback, and our conversations with conservation officers and Historic England."

The council's proposals are due to be submitted for planning later this year.

The project is part of the King's Lynn Town Deal, which is funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities' Towns Fund.

Andrew Stevenson, from the King's Lynn Town Deal board, said: "We are taking on board the insight and ideas we have gained throughout our consultative process so that we can refine the proposals for the riverfront to reflect people's aspirations for this area.

"With the Town Deal funding, we have a fantastic opportunity to bring new facilities, enhance existing ones, and create new reasons for people to spend time in this part of the town."