A new hub is being planned for King’s Lynn which will offer a host of services in the town centre.
And you can have your say in what should be in it with the launch of a new survey here
Exactly where it will be is still to be confirmed but it aims to provide lots of help, support and advice all under one roof.
As well as asking what should be in the building which is being developed with cash from the Towns Fund and Norfolk County Council, the survey will also ask about the current library service and adult learning in King’s Lynn, and what should happen with the Carnegie building which is the current home for the library.
What would the hub contain?
It would contain community services, library, and additional help like employment support, careers and skills advice, business support, community and voluntary information, take part in hobbies and meet other people.
The people behind the plans say it aims to help with employment, support those who want to go into business, provide education support, careers and training help, and info about education, health and wellbeing, as well as host activities for families and children.
Reaction
Graham Purkins, Chair of the Town Deal Board said: “The hub will be a flagship facility for the town and there is huge potential for what it could offer. It can provide a one stop shop for services that people want and need in the town.
“Whilst we have an outline proposal for the hub, we need the community to help us to shape and determine the detail of what the space will offer.
Councillor Graham Plant, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Growing the Economy for Norfolk County Council explained: “Our proposal to move the library and adult learning into the town centre will allow us to provide improved and accessible services which meet the needs of the community all in one place – services which just aren’t feasible in the current building.
“We know how much people value the Carnegie building – as do we too. Which is why we want to reassure the community that any use in the future will recognise and respect the heritage of this important building.
“And we would also like to confirm that we will continue to care for and curate the historic book collections currently kept in the existing library, connecting the community with local history.
“We don’t have any firm plans for the future use of the Carnegie building and we want the community to help us to identify possible options for the building, and also tell us what they would like to see in a new community and learning hub for the town. The public’s views are vital in informing the offer of this important facility.”
Councillor Graham Middleton Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and Heritage for the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk commented: “This represents an exciting and important opportunity to develop a new facility in King’s Lynn that will offer a range of services and resources that can be accessed by everyone.
“The hub will offer another reason for people to visit the town centre, and it will be located within easy reach of local amenities, shops, and transport links.
Councillor Stuart Dark MBE, Leader of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, said:
“I’m pleased to see this aspirational project launch today. This is a substantial investment in King’s Lynn by the Town Deal Board and the County Council.”