Former library building gets new custodian

An arts organisation has been chosen as the new custodian of a library building in the hope it will continue the "cultural legacy" of the ornate brick structure.

The Garage Trust has been selected and will move from The Workshop at the Vancouver Quarter in King's Lynn to the Carnegie Library building on London Road.

A replacement library and community hub is currently being built in the town as part of a regeneration project funded by the government and Norfolk County Council.

Adam Taylor, chief executive of The Garage Trust, said: "We hope to continue the cultural legacy of the Carnegie by continuing to provide meaningful and engaging cultural experiences for the community."

The arts organisation was established in 2002 and operates in Norwich and King's Lynn aiming to transform lives through the arts by offering a range of music, theatre, dance classes and community activities.

Leslie Judd, treasurer of the King's Lynn Players theatre group, hopes the space will encourage more people into the arts.

"We are lucky to have such a building here... it's good that its going to be taken over by an arts organisation and hopefully they may put some small performances on in there," he said.

A new library and community hub is being built in the town centre on the site of the former Argos with funding from the King's Lynn Town Deal.

It is expected to open later in 2025.

Jane James, Conservative county councillor and cabinet member for corporate services and innovation, said: "We know that this building is important to many people in the town, so it was equally important that we took the time to find the best custodian.

"This decision comes after a thorough and competitive application process and The Garage Trust provides an opportunity to continue the cultural legacy of this historic building."

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