Maltings Complex Project

The Maltings is one of the most loved and iconic historical buildings in Well-next-the-Sea. Sitting at the heart of the town it currently operates as a thriving community centre and theatre and hosts a wide range of community activities, supported by a group of dedicated volunteers.  The Community Association that currently manages the building has long had an ambition to redevelop the Maltings to incorporate a museum and other improvements. A small working group (known as the Maltings Project Group) consisting of local people, Town and District Councillors and various stakeholders such as North Norfolk District Council and the Benjamin Foundation has recently been formed. Each member of the Maltings Project Group represents a different interest area but collectively, they have taken on the challenge of leading the redevelopment of the Maltings site which will also incorporate the Sackhouse and adjoining car park. You can contact any members of the Maltings Project Group to find out how and why they are involved, share your views or just to find out latest updates on the project. Click here for members contact details .
  
The long term vision for the buildings is to turn them into a sustainable year round destination for both locals and tourists. The idea is to provide a museum and community and youth facilities, alongside a new and improved theatre/cinema creating an indoor centre for everyone to use. External space for informal uses, landscaping, access and parking are all important features of the vision.

Progress so far………………..

Over the last four months the Maltings Project Group has met 5 times and recently held a half day workshop where representatives of key stakeholders and users of the buildings were invited to discuss the vision and priority uses for the site. To help turn the vision into a reality the Maltings Project Group has just appointed business consultants and architects R H Partnership. They will be assisting the group to create a feasible business plan and outlining a sustainable and fundable project capable of being taken forward by the partners.

The Maltings project has now reached an exciting point, the anxiety on whether or not anything will happen will sit in everyone’s mind, but under the skilful advice of Mark Pratchett the Steering group continue to meet and push everything forward.

The final design was shown to the General public at a consultation at the beginning of March and although there was some anticipation on the scale of the project the vision was agreed by everyone present.  The steering group are now slowly beginning to form the skeleton basis of the business side of the development now and that hopefully a paid post will develop.  This individual’s role will be to start drawing down money for the project to make it a reality.  Although we are looking at least 4 years before the models and drawings become a reality this is still very exciting for Wells.  There will be a website coming soon and also if anyone would like to get involved please contact WAP so we can pass your details on to the Steering group.  This project will work quicker with the more local people behind it, supporting it.