Mace appointed lead contactors by Norfolk County Council on the next key phase of new community hub

Mace, the international construction and consultancy firm, has been appointed to collaborate on another project with Norfolk County Council, to bring to life the vision of a new central community asset in King’s Lynn. 

The design team for the Multi-Use Community Hub at 46 New Conduit Street worked closely with Mace, focusing on producing a low-carbon building to align with the construction firm’s drive to putting sustainability at the heart of every project. 

A range of energy efficiency methods have been implemented in the construction design, including limiting the amount of carbon produced by retaining elements of the existing structure as well as reducing energy and water consumption. 

The scheme also makes use of sustainable materials and interventions, including electricity generating solar panels and a ‘blue roof’ which captures rainwater for reuse.

The new hub will be located in the heart of the town and will become home to the library and Adult Learning facilities and offer the right services and support in a single, accessible venue. 

Stewart Ward, Managing Director for Mace Interiors, said: 

“Following the success of our last project with Norfolk County Council, we are looking forward to working together again to bring to life the vision of a new multi-use hub. 

“Sustainability is at the heart of this low-carbon project, meaning we are able to drive forward our ambition to pursue a sustainable world – while also delivering a new facility to support the local community.”

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said:

“The appointment of a contractor is a key step which will allow the project to progress quickly to enable us to better serve the residents of King’s Lynn. It follows a successful purchase of the former Argos building by the county council and leads us nicely into the next stage of design. 

“Mace has delivered modern projects for us recently, including some of the refurbishment of County Hall, and we are looking forward to working with them on this transformative project.”

This £12m project now also enters RIBA stage 2, which will see more detailed concept designs drawn up for the building and will start to bring the future community hub to life by exploring the project vision, testing out layouts and starting to consider the practicalities of how the new building will function.