Published: Wednesday, 22nd September 2021
Borough and county council members are keen to reassure people that the housing and library development on the existing bus station site in Hunstanton is going ahead.
Work is now set to begin next spring. A decision has been made to push back the start of the redevelopment of the current bus station and library site, to create 47 new homes, a new fit-for-purpose library, and retail units, until spring 2022. This follows changes to the Fire Safety Act and pressures in the supply chain, that have caused delays.
This move has been made to avoid any disruption to the town during the Christmas season, especially given the site's proximity to the Princess Theatre.
Cllr Richard Blunt, Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development, said: "Many projects across the country are having difficulty sourcing materials and other supplies, we are not unique in this matter.
"This exciting project is still going ahead but we’ll have to wait a little longer for it to begin. We obviously have to be mindful not to cause issues for the town in the run up to Christmas and throughout the panto season, so we have made arrangements to push back the demolition works until spring next year. By this time the materials issues will hopefully be eased.
"Once complete, this scheme will offer brand new library facilities, along with additional retail space and much-needed housing. Such investment is great news for the town."
The project is an Accelerated Construction Programme Scheme. Homes England, who have provided some of the funding for the scheme, have agreed an extension for the project.
Cllr Andrew Jamieson, Norfolk County Council Cabinet member for Finance and County Councillor for Hunstanton, said: "We are looking forward to seeing the new project get underway next year. It will be a modern library that not only helps people with reading and literacy but promotes community activities that reduce social isolation.
“In the meantime, we have moved the library to Valentine Road so I would encourage anyone who wants to visit to pop down and say hello
"The new library will be more flexible, making it easier to host some of the library's most popular activities such as Knit and Natter, Bounce and Rhyme and Reading Groups. The location will also be used to help people learn, whether that’s an adult learning class, digital skills or just a space to read about a new subject.