Local people are being urged to have their say and help to shape a proposed new flagship facility for King’s Lynn before the survey closes on 22nd December.
Almost 300 participants so far have taken part in an online survey giving feedback on their experiences of using the current library services and adult learning in King’s Lynn, as well as their thoughts on a new hub.
Respondents are also being invited to suggest ideas for the Carnegie Building after Norfolk County Council committed that any future use would be respectful of the building’s heritage, supported by the local community, and sustainable. The council has also confirmed that there has never been any plan for the building to be turned into flats.
As well as the online consultation – which can be found here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FZL85TR – hard copies of the survey can be found in the library on London Road. The public are also being given the opportunity to find out more about the consultation and share their thoughts at drop-in sessions held in the library and Tuesday Market Place.
The last drop-in session will take place in the library at 10am – 12noon on Thursday 16th December, and there will also be workshops for representatives from the heritage and arts, community and voluntary, and education sectors, as well as businesses in the coming weeks. And, survey participants will be able to sign up to take part in an online workshop that will take place in January.
Everyone who takes part in the survey can enter a prize draw to win £100 in shopping vouchers.
Graham Purkins, Chair of the Town Deal Board said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to the consultation to date and I am grateful to everyone who has taken the time to tell us what they think, either online or in person.
“We have an exciting opportunity to create a modern facility that can provide a range of much needed services for the community, all in one place. And, we want to shape that offer together with local people.
“If you haven’t yet done so, please do have your say. We are listening.”
Whilst the detail of the hub’s offer is to be developed, it is envisaged that the community, library services, and learning and skills would be at the core of the hub. But it would also be able to offer much more. It would be a place where people can go for employment support, for careers and skills advice, for business support, for information and signposting, for community and voluntary resources, to get online, to pursue hobbies, and to meet with others – all in one space.
It would also be a place that could provide a springboard into employment, into entrepreneurship, and into education in the town, for better life and career prospects. It could be a place where people can find information and resources around jobs, careers, training, education, health and wellbeing. And, it could be a place to access a range of activities, including for families and children.
Whilst the preferred location for the hub is to be finalised, any future site would benefit from being closer to shops and services, the bus station, and the rail station, making a visit more convenient, and bringing footfall into the town.
The closing date for the survey is 5pm on Wednesday 22 December 2021.