Marina on ice
A multi-million pound scheme to transform the face of Lynn with a new marina has been thrown into doubt.
West Norfolk Council has committed millions to the project in the last couple of years, but has now decided it must have a thorough rethink.
The news came in the same week as Lynn's College of West Anglia missed out on the latest round of Government funding for the project which includes its relocation in Lynn, and a 26 million redevelopment at the National Construction College at Bircham Newton was also put in doubt.
Council leader Nick Daubney remained determined a marina and waterfront regeneration scheme would go ahead but said the economic climate meant it could be delayed.
Cllr Daubney said: "I have requested a full review of the scheme so we can make fully-informed decisions, rather than have a knee-jerk reaction to the current economic situation.
"It is vital any scheme we bring forward is high quality and befits the town's status as a regional centre. If that means we have to delay elements of the scheme until the economic climate improves, then I am prepared to take that decision."
In November 2007, the council was talking about allocating close to 7 million to the marina scheme by the end of this year and at the time it was warned 2.7 million of that could be lost if the scheme fell through.
Mr Daubney said: "This administration is committed to developing a high-quality waterfront regeneration scheme and associated marina.
"It is a key element of our growth and regeneration plans and will bring a fresh vibrancy to the town, encouraging tourism and new business as well as providing additional housing."
The council is ploughing on with consultation over landscaping of the scheme despite the new doubt, with two events planned in the next week.
The marina scheme has already been in the development stages for more than a decade and is now expected to cost in the region of 35 million to pull off. The council believes it will be worth 13 million a year to Lynn's economy if completed.
There has been a recent backlash with news that Hardings Pits Doorstep Green would be destroyed as part of the proposals.
Roger Turff, secretary of the Harding's Pits Community Association, said: "We are not out of the woods by any means, but for the time being we are very much relieved. It means the green will be secure for the moment, which is virtually what everyone in the town wants."
Consultation events over the marina plans will be held at South Lynn Fun Day, Winfarthing Field, from noon on Sunday and at Green Quay, at 2pm and 6pm on Wednesday, July 8.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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