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Empty King’s Lynn quayside building to be transformed as part of riverfront regeneration

By Kris Johnston

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kris.johnston@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 15:54, 19 January 2026

An empty quayside building will be transformed as plans to regenerate Lynn’s historic riverfront continue.

West Norfolk Council is converting the annexe to the former Sommerfeld and Thomas warehouse to provide welcoming dryside facilities for visiting mariners who moor up at the South Quay pontoons – including showers, toilets, washing machines, visitor information and water bottle refills.

The latest investment as part of the Lynn Town Deal regeneration programme, this also supports the council’s partnership work to promote ‘Sail the Wash’ and bring more visitors into town via the river.

Cllr Simon Ring, deputy council leader with Abi Rawlings, the borough council’s project officer, at the Dryside. Picture: West Norfolk CouncilCllr Simon Ring, deputy council leader with Abi Rawlings, the borough council’s project officer, at the Dryside. Picture: West Norfolk Council
Cllr Simon Ring, deputy council leader with Abi Rawlings, the borough council’s project officer, at the Dryside. Picture: West Norfolk Council

Starting this week, internal conversion works are expected to take around four months to complete, with access maintained for all residents and businesses in the area. Externally, the annexe will look similar, in keeping with the listed warehouse next door.

Cllr Simon Ring, deputy leader of the borough council, said: “Following the granting of listed building consent for the Custom House, it’s great to announce work starting on the dryside as part of our wider plans to revive the whole of this amazing riverside, connecting the past with the present by creating a vibrant attractive destination for residents and visitors.

“Dryside facilities were requested by people who use the pontoon and will provide an even warmer welcome to Lynn, as well as bringing an empty building back into valuable use.

“This is another step forward under our emerging masterplan vision to link up both ends the riverfront with renewed activity. It also supports our ongoing marketing efforts of the large historic warehouse next door, which would be great as a hotel or restaurant.”

Olly Parker, of EN Suiter and Sons Ltd, which is the borough council’s contractor for these works, added: “As a Lynn-based, family-run business, EN Suiter & Sons Ltd is delighted to be part of the dryside facility remodelling and refurbishment scheme.

“This is a fantastic local project, and we’re really pleased to be working with West Norfolk Council to help deliver the high quality new facilities for the town and its community.”

Details of how to access the dryside facilities will be available on the council’s website and the ‘Sail the Wash’ website – www.sailthewash.com – in due course.

Kings Lynn Politics Kris Johnston

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Source: www.lynnnews.co.uk