Agenda item

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The Panel was provided with an update on work to date carried out by the Informal Working Group.  The External Facilitator provided information on the thematic sessions that had been planned and how the outcomes from the sessions would be used to form an action plan, which would be presented to the Regeneration and Development Panel in due course.  A copy of the presentation is attached.

It was explained that the West Norfolk Tourism Development Plan 22-26 had been published and was available to view at https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/downloads/download/119/west_norfolk_tourism_strategy_documents. Agendas and Minutes from the Tourism Informal Working Group Meetings were also available for Members to view on the Mod Gov Intranet.

The Assistant Director explained that it was important for Members to understand the background and the work carried out to date by the Group and suggested that a session be arranged to look back at the work carried out, what had been distilled from the working group sessions and common themes which could then be reviewed by Members.  The Chair agreed that this should be presented to a future meeting of the Panel for consideration.

The Chair thanked officers for the information and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

Councillor Crofts commented that work needed to be done to encourage coach trips into King’s Lynn.  He suggested that research should be carried out on why King’s Lynn was not a destination for coach trips.  He commented that coach parking should be made available on the Tuesday Market Place so that facilities were nearby.

Councillor Kemp commented that the promotion of tourism was important as well as maintaining the Listed Buildings that King’s Lynn had, including the Carnegie Library and the Old Post Office Building.  She also commented that improvements were needed to the West Lynn Ferry to encourage visitors.  Councillor Kemp stated that she had been made aware of a roof leak at the Carnegie Library and had spoken to Norfolk County Council on this issue, but had not been able to access the latest structural survey.

Councillor Bone commented that the whole of the Borough needed to be considered, not just King’s Lynn.  He supported Councillor Croft’s comments relating to encouraging coach trips to King’s Lynn and building a package for coach operators.  Councillor Bone also referred to the importance of bringing leisure into the town centre to provide a combined offer of leisure and retail.  He also commented that more areas in the town centre should be pedestrianised.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Biodiversity, Councillor de Whalley commented that modal shift was important to reduce congestion in the town.

Councillor Ryves felt that King’s Lynn was not perceived as a good place to visit and issues needed to be addressed.  He felt that car parking was an issue along with a lack of accommodation, meaning that only day trippers visited and overnight stays should be promoted.  He also asked if work had been carried out to ascertain the profile of the typical tourist and understand why they visited the area.  It was explained that the Tourism Team did carry out work relating to the demographics of visitors and an annual survey on the value of tourism to the economy was carried out.  Previously specific surveys had been carried out as part of major projects and grant applications and the Regeneration Programme Manager explained that these surveys were costly, so they needed to be carried out to help with a specific purpose.

The Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Events and Marketing, Councillor Ring welcomed the comments put forward by the Panel and acknowledged that work needed to be done to promote the Borough to tourists.  He commented that education was important and the area needed to sell itself and its offer but this needed to be balanced with having the infrastructure to accommodate increased tourism and acknowledged that not all areas could cope with, or want an influx of tourists.  The Portfolio Holder referred to the success of the recent Heritage Open Day and hoped that this could expand in the future.

Councillor Collingham commented that King’s Lynn’s Heroes past and present should be used to promote the area to inspire others.  She also commented that she felt digital marketing was the best way forward.

Councillor Ryves commented that there was good accommodation available across the Borough and the infrastructure needed to be put in place to link tourist areas.

Councillor Crofts commented that coach trips operating in the area often just used King’s Lynn as a rest stop and work should be carried out to link King’s Lynn with another local destination to make an appealing day trip.  He also commented that shows at the Corn Exchange should be promoted to coach operators.

Councillor Kemp explained that there was accommodation available in King’s Lynn and there were lots of simple things that could be done to promote and increase the offer available, such as extending festivals and events.

Councillor Bubb commented that a town centre caravan park would increase visitors to the town and would boost the usage of the Pontoons.  Councillor Bone supported this but explained that the location would need careful consideration within the residential areas.

Councillor Bone referred to Chequer House which was recently put on the market and commented that this would be an ideal location for a hotel.

RESOLVED:

1. The Panel noted the work to date carried out by the Tourism Informal Working Group.

2. The Panel asked for the following comments to be considered by the Portfolio Holder and Officers, as appropriate.

a. Promote to coach operators King’s Lynn as a day trip destination and consider the facilities available to coaches.

b. Officers to liaise with Norfolk County Council regarding the structural survey for the Carnegie Library as required.

c. Ongoing promotion of the whole of the Borough as a tourist destination.

d. Future projects and plans to consider pedestrianising more of the town centre where appropriate.

e. Look at potential opportunities to improve eye sores in the area and ensure that the historic buildings within the area are maintained as appropriate.

f. Work with schools as appropriate and encourage young people to get involved in events such as a mini heritage day.

g. Promotion of overnight stays in King’s Lynn.

h. Re-run the tour for Councillors of King’s Lynn