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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.