Work begins on £30.5m arts venue project at theatre

Renovation work to create an arts venue and museum on the site of the UK's oldest working theatre has begun.

More than £30m is being spent on The Guildhall in King's Lynn, Norfolk, which is believed to have once hosted playwright William Shakespeare himself.

Approval to develop the site into what is hoped will be an international tourist destination was given in July 2025, and preliminary work is underway.

As part of the project, the medieval building will be re-roofed, and accessibility and energy efficiency will be improved. It is set to be completed by 2028.

The plans, which include a museum and educational space, are led by the King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, in partnership with Historic England and Norfolk Museum Service.

The National Trust, which owns the freehold of part of the Guildhall site, will also collaborate on the project.

Simon Ring, the deputy council leader and cabinet member for business, said: "I can't wait to see the scaffolding rise up around the building, heralding the start of the main hands-on renovation".

The majority of the project's funding came from central government, but the council will borrow £16m to part-fund the build. Historic England is also donating £720,000 for the roof restoration.

Tony Calladine, East of England regional director, Historic England, said: "It's wonderful to see work beginning on the restoration of St George's Guildhall, a place of exceptional cultural and historic importance.

"This project will do more than safeguard the fabric of a much-loved landmark: it will help to unlock new opportunities for King's Lynn, strengthening local pride, creativity and economic growth".

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