We asked artificial intelligence about the best ways to improve Lynn as a town – and the answers are wide-ranging.

The tips from Gemini AI, a Google platform, discuss everything from the riverfront to a ‘retail gap’ in the town centre.

Of course, AI can never match the insight of those who live and work in Lynn – so make sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or by emailing letters@lynnnews.co.uk

Here are ten ways Gemini AI would improve the town…

1. Revitalise the ‘rail to river’ connection

The walk from the railway station to the South Quay can feel disjointed. Improving the public realm – through consistent signage, better lighting, and more attractive paving – would create a seamless ‘heritage trail’.

This would encourage visitors arriving by train to explore the historic waterfront rather than staying strictly within the retail core.

2. Modernise the waterfront and South Quay

The riverfront is the town’s greatest underused asset. Transforming areas like Boal Quay and Devil’s Alley into mixed-use spaces with independent cafés, bars, and residential units would make the waterfront a destination rather than just a car park.

Extending the promenade would also better connect the town to its maritime roots.

3. Establish a dedicated Lynn town council

As of 2026, there are active proposals to create a town council for the currently ‘unparished’ area of Lynn. This would give residents a stronger, more direct voice in local decision-making and ensure the town’s specific needs aren’t diluted within the larger borough council.

4. Transform St George’s Guildhall into a creative hub

As the UK’s oldest working theatre, the Guildhall is a global treasure. Fully realizing its potential as a National Centre for Shakespeare and Renaissance Performance – complete with a creative hub for local artists – would put Lynn on the international cultural map and boost the night-time economy.

5. Address the retail gap in the town centre

With the decline of traditional high-street retail, the town needs to pivot toward experiential use.

Repurposing large vacant units (like the former Debenhams) for indoor markets, leisure activities, or ‘maker spaces’ for local craftsmen would bring footfall back to the Vancouver Quarter.

6. Improve transport and active travel

Lynn suffers from congestion on the A148 and A149. Implementing the active travel hubs and completing the West Winch Housing Access Road would divert through-traffic, allowing the town centre to become more pedestrian and cycle-friendly, ultimately improving air quality.

7. Expand higher education and skills training

To tackle the ‘brain drain’, the town should continue building on the School of Nursing and the King’s Lynn Innovation Centre (KLIC).

Partnering with more universities to provide local degree-level courses in engineering and agrifood-tech would help young people build careers without having to leave the area.

8. Highlight the Hanseatic identity

While Lynn is a member of the new Hanseatic League, many visitors (and even locals) aren’t aware of its significance.

Enhancing the Hanse branding through world-class digital interpretation at the Custom House and hosting more international maritime festivals would bolster its identity as a unique destination.

9. Future-proof against flood risks

Being low-lying, Lynn is vulnerable to climate change. Investing in ‘blue-green infrastructure’ – such as urban wetlands or more permeable public spaces – alongside traditional sea defences is essential for the long-term security of the historic core.

10. Support the Marmot Place health initiative

Lynn faces significant health inequalities. By continuing to support the Marmot Place status (which focuses on the social determinants of health), the town can improve housing standards, green space access, and community support systems to increase life expectancy across all wards.