Plans to breathe new life into one of Lynn’s most beloved landmarks as part of a riverfront regeneration have been approved.

West Norfolk Council has secured listed building consent to bring the Grade I-listed Custom House back into use as a flexible, accessible space, as a key part of the Town Deal regeneration programme.

This is part of a wider vision to maximise the potential of the historic riverfront, recognised as a currently- underused asset, and attract more people to the area, while protecting its unique heritage.

The council is taking a “minimum-intervention approach” to revitalisation that will retain almost all the historic fabric, and will see the building cleaned, repaired and conserved, including works to the stonework, windows, roof and cupola.

Inside, key upgrades will ensure the building meets accessibility standards and supports flexible use. These include an accessible toilet, a platform lift taking visitors to the first floor, and a new kitchenette on the top floor, which will allow the two office spaces to be brought back into use.

Outside, there will be a series of improvements to the Purfleet Quay, upgrading lighting and bringing in electrical provision, allowing this open space to be better used for events.

Further project development work can now proceed – and once a specialist contractor has been appointed and a start date confirmed, conservation works are expected to take around a year.

Cllr Simon Ring, the deputy borough council leader and cabinet member for business, said: “This is fantastic news for the Custom House and the people of Lynn, following hot on the heels of work starting at St George’s Guildhall.

“Everyone recognises the Custom House is the signature building of Lynn and we need to ensure it’s open, accessible and welcoming.

“The granting of listed building consent is a key milestone and we now have further project development work to do before a start date can be confirmed.

“It is part of our wider vision under the emerging Lynn Masterplan to make more of our historic riverfront, linking up both ends with more things for people to see and do, to create the vibrant attractive destination we know it can be for residents and visitors alike.”

He added: “Through sensitively revitalising one of Lynn’s truly iconic historic landmarks, this will bring so many benefits for our community alongside supporting tourism and hopefully further investment along the riverfront.

“I would like to thank Historic England, the Neighbourhood Board, council officers and everyone who has given their support during this process to date.”

Andrew Stevenson, riverfront project champion on the Lynn Neighbourhood Board, said: “Securing listed building consent is testament to the huge amount of work that has happened behind the scenes and is a key milestone in our shared ambition to make more of the historic riverfront and one of Lynn’s most beloved landmarks.

“Lots of important work continues to take place to progress these ambitions, which respond directly to the community’s desire to create new things for people to see and do here, while protecting, respecting and preserving its unique heritage for future generations. I look forward to the exciting next steps.”

Tony Calladine, East of England regional director for Historic England, added: “The Custom House in Lynn is a significant local historic building. The planned repair and restoration work will help to secure its long-term future and sustainability, enabling it to play an active role in the King’s Lynn community for generations to come.

“We’d like to thank West Norfolk Council, and other partners, for their considered and collaborative approach to this project which has enabled a scheme that strikes the right balance between protecting what is significant about the Custom House while adapting it sensitively for modern use.

“We look forward to seeing the Custom House reopened and thriving once again.”

The Custom House project is fully funded from the £25million Town Deal grant from the Government.