Longstanding King’s Lynn timber firm Pattrick and Thompsons Ltd submits site improvement plans
A firm which has operated close to Lynn town centre for more than 150 years is looking to the future and seeking to refurbish and redevelop its site.
Timber merchants Pattrick and Thompsons in Page Stair Lane, on the north-west corner of the Tuesday Market Place, has submitted plans to West Norfolk Council that will make its operation more efficient and up to modern-day standards.
A planning statement explains that the proposals include the relocation of the current staff parking from the verge alongside the timber store on the narrow Page Stair Lane.
They also involve demolition, recladding and extension works to the existing timber merchant buildings, erection of a new consignment bay and timber building, improved access arrangements, and a second site entrance to improve traffic flow, especially for large vehicles.
Pattrick and Thompsons was originally founded in 1865 by William Thompson who was soon joined by William Pattrick and George Woodwork.
From its early beginnings, it grew to occupy a large site featuring its own sawmills and timber storage sheds. The company was one of the first in the area to mechanise its haulage arm by purchasing a fleet of motor lorries to extend its area of trade to large parts of the Midlands and the Eastern Counties.
The ‘Timbercentre’ was first opened in 1971 and in 1989 Pattrick and Thompsons was appointed as a Royal Warrant holder by The Queen.
The firm has changed ownership throughout the course of its life and under its new owners, Rose Group, continues to trade and thrive as a merchant, manufacturer, and distributor of timber and building materials.
A team of 28 locally based employees work there catering for the timber and building supplies needs of local customers, along with providing national coverage for many major UK housebuilders.
The planning statement also explains that the redevelopment of the site is taking place in phases to ensure the Timbercentre can remain operational: this planning application comprises of the first phase of works.
A number of buildings in a poor state of repair and need removal. They include the timber store to the centre of the site which is at the end of its life cycle, the trade counter which is no longer required, and the fuel store and consignment bay which cannot be saved due to fire damage.
“The site at present is in poor condition with extensive physical changes to the site required to allow the business to operate efficiently,” the statement reads.