Agenda item

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The Assistant Director presented the Panel with information on the Riverfront RIBA Stage 3.  A copy of the presentation is attached.

The Assistant Director explained that the projects included in the presentation were Town Deal funded projects.  Project objectives and constraints were highlighted as part of the presentation along with information on how the proposals had been developed in response to feedback.

It was noted that RIBA stage 2 was the concept and RIBA stage 3, which was now being presented to the Panel, contained more detail, but was still subject to further consultation and refinement.

Custom House and Purfleet Quay

After receiving information from the Assistant Director on this element of the project, the Chair invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

The Chair commented that the use of natural light was good.

Councillor Bone commented that some of his residents were outraged by the use of glazed units and felt that this type of restoration was close to vandalism.  He commented that the best use of the Customs House was as a Tourist Information Centre, and this could be enhanced with an additional onsite offer such as retail. He also commented that making the building accessible was a positive, but questioned the removal of historical elements of the building to instal a lift.  Councillor Bone also did not feel that the design improved the Purfleet Quay and removed some of the historical assets.  The Assistant Director commented that resident and local business consultation events had taken place and there were quite a lot of dividing views and opinions.  He explained that discussions were still ongoing with Historic England on the design and pre-app advice had been sought.

In response to questions from the Vice Chair, Councillor Heneghan, it was explained that seating would be installed along the Purfleet and would be considerate of the event space.  The Anchor and Chain was still under discussion.

Councillor Beal commented that a food and beverage offer at the Custom House would ensure it was sustainable and it would be a desirable location for people to visit.  The Assistant Director agreed that it was a perfect area to sit and enjoy food and drinks, but ventilation, extraction and installation of a commercial kitchen was difficult for the Grade 1 Listed Building.

In response to a question from Councillor Bubb, it was explained that the Council did not own the Customs House, but had a lengthy lease, which would be renegotiated and extended as required.  It was explained that the owners of the building were supportive of the proposals as they wanted to see the site put to the best use.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Biodiversity, Councillor de Whalley asked what was envisaged for flood defences and it was explained that the design would ensure that the defences were not worse than before.

Councillor Crofts commented that the Customs House was suited for a food and drink offer and asked if there were any restrictions on licences. The Assistant Director explained that this would be a matter for the Licensing Committee to consider at the appropriate time.  He also explained that the lease had a ‘user clause’, which would be discussed with the owner if required.

The Chair asked if five toilets were necessary on the first floor, as this felt a bit excessive.  The Assistant Director believed that the number of toilets included in the design were to allow maximum occupancy in the building and was based on demand during events, but he would raise this issue.

In response to a question from the Chair, it was explained that under the lease, the Council were responsible for repairs.

The Assistant Director commented that there were cellars under the building, but they were low in height and would require significant work to make them useable.

The Portfolio Holder for Business, Councillor Beales welcomed the wide-ranging discussion and useful comments.  He commented that it was important to bring the building back into use to conserve it and that the space needed to be useable, accessible and versatile.  He commented that design was subjective, and everyone had differing views, but it was important to conserve and respect the heritage of the building whilst ensuring that the funding allocated through the Towns Fund was spent.

Devils Alley

After receiving information from the Assistant Director on this element of the project, the Chair invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

The Chair welcomed the proposals to improve this eyesore area and commented that he was pleased that there were no longer any plans for a tower.

Councillor Bone commented that he liked the wide range of events held in the town, but often received complaints from residents.  He hoped that these proposals would mitigate some of the problems local residents faced, as it would give more space for vendors.   Councillor Bone also commented that he liked the mix of modern and historic proposed design, which he felt would enhance the space.  The Assistant Director commented that he hoped the project would make the surrounding site more marketable and perhaps attract a hotel in the area. 

In response to a question from the Chair regarding the use of steel, the Assistant Director commented that it would likely be a painted structure, but he would confirm.

The Vice Chair, Councillor Heneghan liked the design and felt that it made good use of the space.  She asked what would be put in place to deter antisocial behaviour and street drinking and the Assistant Director commented that antisocial behaviour would be addressed and managed by the likely use of CCTV and management by the Public Open Space Team.  He also commented that if the space was well used and popular it was less likely to attract antisocial behaviour.

It was confirmed that upkeep of planting and trees would be managed by the Council’s Public Open Space Team.

Councillor Bubb asked how the trees would be protected from salt water and the Assistant Director explained that there were voids under the surface which could be filled with soil and would be suitable for mature trees.

Councillor Colwell supported the proposals and was pleased to see an area available for events.  He liked the mix of historic and modern design, but was disappointed that flags and banners were no longer included in the design.  The Assistant Director explained that the installation of flags and banners had been challenging due to the location falling within a Conservation Area.

Councillor Bubb commented that there was an old Railway Line running under the surface and that this could be exposed as a feature.  The Assistant Director commented that there was no funding for this under the current proposals, but this was something that could be looked at in the future.

The Chair suggested that the proposed sculpture, which had a gap in the middle, could be used as a projector displaying images to celebrate the history of the area.

The Portfolio Holder for Business, Councillor Beales, thanked the Panel for their comments and that he hoped the project would generate economic activity in the area.  He commented that it was important to have aspirations for the future to further enhance the site and that there may be other opportunities to bid for funding under the Longer-Term Funding for Towns.

Dryside Facilities.

After receiving information from the Assistant Director on this element of the project, the Chair invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

Councillor Bone commented that these facilities were much needed and hoped that they would attract additional visitors and bring in more visiting vessels.  The Assistant Director commented that the King’s Lynn Conservancy Board had recently rented out some moorings which had brought in additional visiting craft and made the Quay front more vibrant.

In response to a question from the Chair, the Assistant Director explained that the facility would be operated by the public open spaces team and would likely be accessed with a fob or key which could be hired, to prevent misuse.

RESOLVED: The Panel noted the update.