Published: Thursday, 21st November 2019
A lasting memorial to Alderman Frederick George Jackson was unveiled on Wednesday, 20 November.
The plaque names the orchard after Alderman Jackson and dedicates it to his memory. It is being unveiled to mark the completion of the first development within the council's major housing project.
Frederick George Jackson was the driving force behind the development and evolution of the Alderman Jackson School (formerly known as the Comprehensive Training Centre), which was a community special school for young people and children aged 2-19 with particular needs. In recognition of his work, the centre was named after him when it was taken over by the education department in 1971. The school closed in 2009.
The Mayor of the Borough of King's Lynn & West Norfolk Cllr Geoffrey Hipperson, said: "We have received requests to ensure that Alderman Jackson's memory was honoured in some way. As this orchard is adjacent to the site of the former school, it felt fitting that the orchard was dedicated to his memory."
The Marsh Lane development, known as Orchard Place, was the first of five development sites across the Marsh Lane and Lynnsport area, designed to create 373 much-needed homes. The combined major housing project has brought other community improvements including the new link road Lynnsport Way, improved parking facilities and an enhanced play area at Lynnsport, 2 new hockey pitches and 4 new tennis courts.
Other associated improvements include the National Lottery Heritage Fund Hidden Heritage of the Gaywood River Project and work to the Gaywood Community Centre.
The major housing project has been delivered through an innovative partnership with Lovell. The Marsh Lane development should be complete by the end of this month, construction on the other sites at Lynnsport are ongoing.
Alderman Jackson's niece with the Mayor.