Agenda item

RESOLVED:           1) That the RIBA Stage 4 (technical and detailed design) development of the ‘Full Scheme’ to include the renovation of the St George’s Guildhall and creation of a Creative Hub as further set out in section 3 of the report, which, if delivered, would result in an estimated overall cost of this Major Project of £20.2m be approved.

2) To the Funding Strategy to secure £11.3m as set out in section 4  of the report which will realise the finance required to achieve the Full Scheme be approved, and the advancement of applications to funding bodies  be endorsed.

3) That a report be brought back to Cabinet in February – March 2025 with the results of the Funding Strategy for a decision to be taken on approving the continued progress of this Major Project.

4) That the commencement of the procurement process to appoint a main contractor to deliver the Full Scheme, to run in parallel with the Funding Strategy be approved, with an update of the pre-tender cost and funding position for the scheme to be brought back to Cabinet in February – March 2025.

5) That, subject to the agreement by the King’s Lynn Town Board and all required authorities (e.g. S151 officer agreement),  a Project Adjustment Request (PAR) be submitted (as required under the Towns Fund programme) as soon as practically possible because of changes to the agreed outputs, timings and funding assumptions.

Reason for Decision

To deliver the transformational St George’s Guildhall and Creative Hub project that directly supports and will deliver against the Council’s commitment and ambition for heritage and culture, to support growing businesses, a repurposed town centre and high-quality leisure offer in the historic town core, as set out in the Corporate Strategy (2023) and Town Investment Plan (2021).

To deliver the Guildhall and Creative Hub project that best meets the outputs and outcomes agreed with the Town Board and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

To deliver a transformational scheme that, as identified in the updated Business Plan and Economic Impact Assessment, will provide the best opportunity for the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) to create a sustainable operation; one that will create significant wider economic benefit for the town estimated to be £30.8m and 117 jobs over 15 years post completion.

The Cabinet discussed the costings of the project which it was felt was now clearer on what the aspirations would cost, with the unknowns were limited.  Discussions were held on the funding gap, the Town Fund’s review and time frames, other funding opportunities, the change in Government, and the procurement of contractors to carry out works. 

A discussion was undertaken on potential phasing, funding and profiling, it was agreed to review the profiling and phasing.  Discussion was held on the situation should further funding not be forthcoming, further options would have to be considered.

It was confirmed that the CIO would continue to be involved throughout the process and discussions with Cabinet.

Following discussions on the Heritage Lottery Fund it was explained that the reasons for refusal previously had been rectified.

It was noted that the profiling of the project would be looked at in the run up to the further report on the matter.

The Chair reported that the Town Deal Board were supportive of Option 1 in the report.

RESOLVED:           1) That the RIBA Stage 4 (technical and detailed design) development of the ‘Full Scheme’ to include the renovation of the St George’s Guildhall and creation of a Creative Hub as further set out in section 3 of the report, which, if delivered, would result in an estimated overall cost of this Major Project of £20.2m be approved.

2) To the Funding Strategy to secure £11.3m as set out in section 4  of the report which will realise the finance required to achieve the Full Scheme be approved, and the advancement of applications to funding bodies  be endorsed.

3) That a report be brought back to Cabinet in February – March 2025 with the results of the Funding Strategy for a decision to be taken on approving the continued progress of this Major Project.

4) That the commencement of the procurement process to appoint a main contractor to deliver the Full Scheme, to run in parallel with the Funding Strategy be approved, with an update of the pre-tender cost and funding position for the scheme to be brought back to Cabinet in February – March 2025.

5) That, subject to the agreement by the King’s Lynn Town Board and all required authorities (e.g. S151 officer agreement),  a Project Adjustment Request (PAR) be submitted (as required under the Towns Fund programme) as soon as practically possible because of changes to the agreed outputs, timings and funding assumptions.

Reason for Decision

To deliver the transformational St George’s Guildhall and Creative Hub project that directly supports and will deliver against the Council’s commitment and ambition for heritage and culture, to support growing businesses, a repurposed town centre and high-quality leisure offer in the historic town core, as set out in the Corporate Strategy (2023) and Town Investment Plan (2021).

To deliver the Guildhall and Creative Hub project that best meets the outputs and outcomes agreed with the Town Board and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

To deliver a transformational scheme that, as identified in the updated Business Plan and Economic Impact Assessment, will provide the best opportunity for the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) to create a sustainable operation; one that will create significant wider economic benefit for the town estimated to be £30.8m and 117 jobs over 15 years post completion.