Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: July 7, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED:: Cabinet resolves, subject to approval of recommendation 6 below: 0.    The Regeneration and Development Panel are kept up to date on progress and receive regular updates on the project. 1.    To proceed with the St George’s Guildhall & Creative Hub (“the Major Scheme”) based on the RIBA Stage 4 design. 2.    The total spend of up to £30.5m to deliver the Major Scheme is authorised, to be financed in accordance with the Finance Strategy at Appendix 6 (Exempt), which includes up to £16.0m of borrowing in accordance with the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy. 3.    The award of the contract to deliver the Major Scheme (“the Main Contract”) to ‘Bidder A’ is approved. 4.    Authority is delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Business to approve material changes to the scope of the Major Scheme and/or variations to the Main Contract that are within the approved budget and in accordance with the Local Assurance Framework for this project. 5.    Authority is delegated to the Chief Executive to apply for and accept external funding, whether via grants or donations, for the Major Scheme, which, when received, shall be applied towards the Major Scheme and to reduce capital borrowing where outstanding.   Recommendations to Full Council:   6.    To amend the Capital Programme for the Major Scheme up to £30.5m and to amend the Medium-Term Financial Strategy in accordance with the Finance Strategy at Appendix 6 (Exempt)   Reason for Decision:   To deliver the transformational St George’s Guildhall and Creative Hub Major Scheme, supporting the Council’s commitment to heritage, culture, and economic growth. The Major Scheme aims to help grow local businesses, revitalise the town centre, and enhance the leisure offer in the historic heart of King’s Lynn, in line with:   ·         West Norfolk Economic Strategy (2024), ·         Cultural & Heritage Strategy (2025), ·         Corporate Strategy (2023), and ·         Town Investment Plan (2021).    The Major Scheme will meet the agreed outputs and outcomes of the Towns Fund Programme, as endorsed by the King’s Lynn Neighbourhood Board (formerly the Town Board) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The Major Scheme will deliver a long-term, sustainable operation to this nationally significant cultural heritage site in addition to addressing the long-term costs liability that the site already represents to the Council. According to the updated Business Plan and Economic Impact Assessment, the Major Scheme is expected to generate circa £30.8 million in economic benefit and create 117 jobs over the initial 15 years period and following this payback period, the Major Scheme will continue to generate income and attract interest and visitors, for many decades to come.