King’s Lynn Riverfront Regeneration Stage 2 Report
RIVERFRONT REGENERATION
Town Investment Plan theme: Historic riverfront and repurposed town centre
This project will revive historical cultural assets in this part of the town, leading to increased visitor numbers and use, as well as the creation of new jobs.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
This project forms a key element of the King’s Lynn Town Deal programme. It constitutes the first phase of regeneration for King’s Lynn’s riverfront and is led by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk. Through our Vision King’s Lynn consultation, we’ve learnt that people feel that there should be more to see and do along the town’s riverfront, maximising its potential and drawing more people to the area, while protecting and preserving its unique heritage.
This first phase of investment includes upgraded attractions and facilities that will maximise the destination potential of the historic riverfront and pave the way for further investment, while protecting, respecting and preserving its unique heritage.
The Grade 1 listed Custom House is one of the most important buildings in King’s Lynn and is set within a historically significant environment with the adjacent Purfleet Quay, quayside, the area around Millfleet/Devil’s Alley, and South Quay which links the two areas.
Custom House
Conservation work is now underway to sensitively restore and revive the Custom House. After careful project development work, the Borough Council has appointed Norfolk-based contractor King & Company to deliver light-touch revitalisation of the landmark and historic setting, for the benefit of residents and visitors.
When conservation is complete in summer 2027, the Custom House will become a flexible, welcoming and accessible space that residents and visitors alike can enjoy, bringing so many benefits for our community, alongside boosting visitor numbers and hopefully further investment along the riverfront.
Find key information about the project on the West Norfolk council website.
Dryside facility
Further along the riverfront, work is nearing completion to transform an empty quayside building into a new facility for visiting mariners. The Borough Council is converting the annexe to the former Sommerfeld and Thomas warehouse to provide welcoming dryside facilities for leisure craft owners who moor up at the South Quay pontoons, including showers, toilets, washing machines, visitor information and water bottle refills.
The dryside conversion supports the council’s partnership work to promote ‘Sail the Wash’ and bring more visitors into King’s Lynn via the river, supporting local businesses and the vibrancy of the riverfront and town centre.
DOCUMENTS
Riverfront Regeneration
Consultation
During 2022 – 2024, we asked for your views on the opportunities and designs which could see the Custom House brought back into use as a multi-purpose public building which would be visible, active, and welcoming to all. After consulting with stakeholders and local organisations, the council is working towards shaping a preferred option for the building’s future use. The designs for the Custom House aim to respect the heritage of this important King’s Lynn building and provide flexible space that could be put to various uses, including exhibitions, and events.
Light-touch revitalisation of the Custom House and historic setting is part of a wider vision to maximise the potential of the town’s historic riverfront, recognised as a currently-underused asset, and attract more people to the area, while protecting, respecting and preserving its unique heritage.
Over the coming year from August 2026, the 17th century building will be carefully restored, repaired and conserved, including works to the stonework, windows, roof and iconic cupola. Almost all the historic fabric will be retained.
Upgrades will include an accessible toilet, a platform lift taking visitors to the first floor so they can appreciate the beautiful Long Room, plus improved toilets and a new kitchenette on the top floor, which will allow the two office spaces to be brought back into use. These are core works, required to ensure the building is welcoming for all, meets accessibility standards and supports flexible use.
Then in spring 2027, there will be a series of complementary improvements to Purfleet Quay, upgrading lighting and bringing in electrical provision. Access to adjacent premises will be maintained throughout the works.
We have also developed proposals to revitalise a vacant site next to Devil’s Alley as a public space for the community, a place that could offer a range of uses, including events and activities throughout the year. Following stakeholder and resident feedback, it was agreed in early 2025 to review this element of the scheme.
See our ‘Design for Devil’s Alley regeneration to be reviewed with community‘ news story for the full details.
