Agenda item

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The Project Officer gave a presentation to the Board on the Guildhall.

The Chair thanked the Project Officer and invited questions and comments from the Board.

Councillor Long referred to the gap between full scheme budget and the funding secured and questioned if the gap was widening or not. He added that he felt some members of the public could not see the benefit of the project yet. 

The Chair, Councillor Beales commented the initial budget grew as knowledge has grown about the building. He advised there had been recent additions including the £2 million reallocated from Devil’s Alley project.

The Project Officer commented the tender figures are still awaiting therefore the gap could change however the funding which had already been secured remains. He referred to the Cabinet Report from summer 2024 which had identified a £11.3 million shortfall.

Councillor Ring commented that not only cost inflation had applied to this scheme, but the scope and aspirations had inflated too, particularly following discoveries made at the site which had previously not been fully known about. He explained there was movement on the funding gap from the Neighbourhood Board and potential to utilise the future devolution programme. He commented it was difficult to provide the public with information due to the sensitivity but highlighted the historical discoveries made. He added that the building had been at the heart of King’s Lynn since 1420 and this project would evolve but it will help to promote the area.

The Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing and Place understood the frustration with limited detail being shared however this was essential at this stage of the project. He commented work was going to continue beyond the end of the Towns Fund monies; the focus currently is on working with the new charity and looking at funds which had not yet been explored. He also mentioned the Plan for Neighbourhoods fund and the future Norfolk and Suffolk Investment Fund.

Councillor Long thanked Officers and Councillor Ring for the further information and raised concern on the accessibility for deliveries down King’s Street once work commences. He commented operational risk needed to be minimised.

The Project Officer advised Officers were aware of challenges that the contractors will have, and the most efficient way of using the space was being considered. He added the contractors would have a management plan which would include operating and loading and access times.

Councillor Morley commented he believed the timescales were optimistic and the project was complex. He commented as the tender process closed; a design would be offered against the RIBA 4 requirements. He added there was currently £10.5 million allocated and further funding was needed. 

The Project Officer commented the nature of the project was not underestimated. He explained the project team including the consultant and the procurement team had allocated time to review the responses to the tender. He added the timescales were tight however achievable and deliverable.

Under Standing Order 34, Councillor Kemp sought clarification on the replacement of the riverside restaurant.

The Project Officer highlighted to the Board the importance of hospitality and explained there had been two businesses interested however the time scales did not fit them. He commented on the challenge of finding and engaging with operators to fit into the space.

Under Standing Order 34, Councillor Kemp questioned if the Riverside restaurant was able to be rented, leased or bought. She questioned if this was being delayed because of the major project.

The Project Officer confirmed that currently the site was not compliant in terms of the space and added there would be an extensive update to the fabric of the building in terms of building control.

In response to Councillor Beales question, the Project Officer briefly explained RIBA 4 Stages. He explained, stage 4 was detailed design which included working with the architectural team, stage 3 was proof of concept which was extensive amount of scrutiny by the technical team to develop the concept and ensure deliverability, stage 2 was the concept itself and stage 1 was high level ideas.

The Chair, Councillor Beales sought reassurance there was good engagement with the tender process.

The Project Officer advised there was 28 suitable contractors identified initially, which the procurement team then conducted a review, 5 contractors were shortlisted. He provided assurance the team were trying to get the best deal from the most competent organisation. 

The Chair, Councillor Beales asked if the CIO were being provided with updates and asked if Officers had met with the CIO lately.

The Project Officer confirmed the CIO were being kept informed and the project board was held last week and are in regular contact.

The Chair, Councillor Beales sought clarification if the Neighbourhood Board spend from December 2025 to March 2026 was achievable.

The Project Officer confirmed there was a cash flow forecast which demonstrated the spend so far and what the spend would be between now and the end of the project. He added the project will spend £1 million per month and there was £6 million to spend this financial year with £3 million already awarded.