Work has started to transform a long-empty building on King’s Lynn’s quayside into a new facility for visiting mariners, as part of wider plans to bring more activity to the historic riverfront.
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk is converting the annexe to the former Sommerfeld and Thomas warehouse. The upgraded dryside facility will provide showers, toilets, washing machines, visitor information, and water bottle refills for leisure craft owners mooring at the South Quay pontoons.
The project is the latest investment under the King’s Lynn Town Deal regeneration programme. It also supports the council’s partnership with the ‘Sail the Wash’ initiative, which aims to attract more visitors into the town via the river, boosting local businesses and enhancing the vibrancy of the riverfront and town centre.
Internal works are expected to take around four months to complete, with access maintained for residents and businesses. Externally, the annexe will retain a similar appearance to the listed warehouse next door.
Cllr Simon Ring, Deputy Council Leader, said: “Following the granting of Listed Building Consent for the Custom House, it’s great to announce work starting on the dryside as part of our wider plans to revive the whole of this amazing riverside, connecting the past with the present by creating a vibrant attractive destination for residents and visitors.
“Dryside facilities were requested by people who use the pontoon and will provide an even warmer welcome to King’s Lynn, as well as bringing an empty building back into valuable use. This is another step forward under our emerging Masterplan vision to link up both ends the riverfront with renewed activity.”
Andrew Stevenson, riverfront project champion on King’s Lynn Neighbourhood Board, added: “Revitalisation of the historic riverfront is part of a wider vision to maximise the potential of the historic riverfront, recognised as a currently-underused asset, and attract more people to the area, while protecting, respecting and preserving its unique heritage. I’m really excited to see work starting to breathe new life into this empty annexe and look forward to welcoming our first users this summer.”
Olly Parker of EN Suiter and Sons Ltd, the council’s contractor for the project, said: “As a King’s Lynn-based, family-run business, EN Suiter & Sons Ltd is delighted to be part of the dryside facility remodelling and refurbishment scheme. This is a fantastic local project, and we’re really pleased to be working with the Borough Council to help deliver high-quality new facilities for the town and its community.”
The project, led by the borough council in partnership with King’s Lynn Neighbourhood Board, forms part of a wider Town Deal programme designed to unlock the potential of the town’s heritage assets, create new opportunities for residents, and strengthen the local economy.
Information on accessing the new dryside facilities will be available soon on the council’s website and via the ‘Sail the Wash’ website, www.sailthewash.com. The initiative provides information and navigation advice to encourage leisure craft visitors to destinations around the Wash.
