An ambitious masterplan is set to explore how six key town sites can be revitalised – including the deserted Debenhams building.
Residents are set to be invited to help shape a vision for how they would like Lynn to be transformed over the next 20-plus years as part of the West Norfolk Council scheme.
The council is starting work with urban designers and town planners from BDP, a design consultancy, to prepare a long-term strategic view of where the town should be heading as a “distinctive and sustainable place to live, work, visit, spend leisure time and do business”.
The resulting ‘King’s Lynn Masterplan’ will bring together opportunities identified from previous plans, strategies, studies and recent extensive consultations into one cohesive vision for the physical regeneration ambitions of the town.
It will explore further regeneration opportunities at six specific priority locations, considering their viability, availability and deliverability.
These sites are the former Debenhams on the High Street, the St James Swimming Pool, Common Staithe Quay, Church Street, Port and Timber Yard area, and the former Del Monte and dredging sites in West Lynn.
This blueprint will inform West Norfolk’s next Local Plan and work alongside the complementary Regeneration Plan for how £20million of Plan for Neighbourhoods funding from the Government should be spent over the next decade.
In addition, the design for Devil’s Alley will be reviewed with the community and other stakeholders, as part of a priority area for phased riverfront regeneration – potentially connecting the South Quay through the Boal Quay to the Southgates area.
The process will involve wide-ranging engagement with the public, property owners, businesses and other partners over the coming months.
Initially, there will be an update on the forthcoming process for community groups at a community conference next week, plus a public display for those attending the Heritage Open Day at the Sommerfeld and Thomas Warehouse on the riverfront from 10am-4pm.
Details of the opportunities for residents to get involved will be announced in the coming weeks.
Cllr Simon Ring, deputy leader and cabinet member for business at the borough council, said: “We already have several strategic plans relating to Lynn, plus opportunities identified through previous consultations, studies and plans.
“We look forward to bringing these together into one updated, clear strategic vision for Lynn, alongside re-engaging with communities.
“The resultant masterplan will be a consistent and ambitious long-term vision for our town, considering future land use, public realm, highways, town centre access and connectivity needs for the next 20-plus years, fostering vibrant, healthy, safe and cohesive communities.
“Lynn has so many rich and interwoven strands, whether that be its enduring connections to the river, tourism, retail, night-time economy, housing, sports, education and the community itself.
“We want to shape a vision that reflects this diversity and heritage as part of a coherent shared vision and ambition for future economic regeneration and growth.”
Cllr Ring added: “The masterplan will become the overarching blueprint for Lynn, ready to attract private investment and respond to investment opportunities that may arise over the coming years, including devolution for Norfolk and Suffolk.
“It will provide a clear and deliverable pipeline of investment priorities that will support the economic growth and regeneration of Lynn as the primary centre and economic driver for growth in West Norfolk.
“For 35 years I grew a business in West Norfolk, and I have lived here my entire life. It has long frustrated me that our town has lacked a bold and ambitious vision. That frustration is why I came into local politics in 2023.
“Now, with this masterplan, we have a chance to set out the creative, inclusive and dynamic direction that Lynn needs. I call on all residents, businesses and stakeholders to engage wholeheartedly.
“If we get behind this together, we can not only shape our town’s future but also sell that vision with pride to others.”
Gergana Draganova, urban design director at BDP, added: “Lynn deserves a masterplan that’s as ambitious and distinctive as the town itself. We know from our work here already that this is a place full of energy, history and opportunity, and the moment to capture that potential is now.
“We are listening and shaping ideas alongside the community and preparing to turn vision into action. This masterplan is about creating real change for the town. Vibrant streets, thriving places, and projects that unlock investment and make life better for people.
“We’re excited to get started and to help Lynn set out a bold direction for its future.”
