A multi-disciplinary construction consultancy has reached practical completion on a significant community project in Norfolk.
Daniel Connal Partnership, with offices in Norwich, Colchester and London, acted as quantity surveyors and project managers on the £4 major redevelopment of the 200-year-old Grade II Wells Maltings complex on Staithe Street in Wells-Next-the-Sea, North Norfolk.
With building work completed, the interiors are now being finalised, with Wells Maltings opening in stages to the public over the summer months before being launched completely in September.
Once fully open to the public, Wells Maltings will provide a state-of-the-art community, heritage and arts facility to the town, with visitors being able to enjoy a ‘user-centred’ heritage and learning centre, state-of-the-art theatre and cinema space, café and bar, box office, Visitor Information Centre and a number of community spaces.
Robert Dale, Senior Partner at Daniel Connal Partnership said: “We are thrilled to have been involved in this ambitious project from the very start, and to see it through to completion is really exciting.
“To restore this historic building and give it a new lease of life for the residents of Wells and the surrounding villages is a great achievement and one which we are pleased to have been a part of. We cannot wait to see the facility in full use and to get everyone’s reactions.”
Daniel Connal Partnership worked with architects Chaplin Farrant, contractor Robson Construction and engineers JP Chick to preserve the original 19th century brick and flint structure during the refurbishment and extension, which began in February 2017.
The striking extension has been enveloped in brass cladding with a characteristic flint wall on the south-east facade. The building materials were chosen to complement the local surroundings and for their robustness and suitability in a coastal environment.
Director of Wells Maltings, Simon Daykin said: “We are absolutely delighted with the new Wells Maltings complex and really appreciate the hard work and professionalism of all those who have been involved. Wells Maltings is a significant asset to North Norfolk and we hope that it will be used as widely as possible by locals and visitors alike.”
With considerable experience working on heritage lottery projects, Daniel Connal Partnership also provided cost advice to the Well Maltings Trust in support of their successful Stage 1 Heritage Lottery bid in 2013, which kick- started the project.