A Grade I listed icon on the historic riverfront

King's Lynn Custom House is a 17th century building on Purfleet Quay, considered one of England's most perfect classical buildings and a Grade I listed icon of the town. King & Company was appointed by the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk to carry out a light-touch conservation of the building and its historic setting, forming part of the Government-funded Town Deal regeneration programme and the council's wider vision for the riverfront.

Scope of works: stonework, windows, roof and cupola

The building was carefully restored, repaired and conserved over the following year, with works to the stonework, windows, roof and its iconic cupola. Almost all of the historic fabric was retained, in keeping with a minimum-intervention approach to a Grade I listed structure.

Protecting the building and the public during the works

As a high-profile site on the quay, the hoardings, erected to protect both the building and the public throughout the works, were decorated to tell the story of the building, King's Lynn's seafaring tradition, and life in the 17th century town when the Custom House was built.

Accessibility upgrades within a historic building

Crucial upgrades were made to bring the building into flexible, sustainable use while meeting accessibility standards. These included an accessible toilet, a platform lift to the first floor giving visitors access to the Long Room, improved toilets, and a new kitchenette on the top floor allowing the two office spaces to be brought back into use.

Working alongside Historic England and the project team

Works were undertaken closely alongside the Borough Council, Historic England and the wider project team, including the King's Lynn Neighbourhood Board.

Delivery: securing a landmark for future generations

The project conserved and protected one of Norfolk's most significant heritage buildings, delivered to the highest standards of traditional craftsmanship while carefully safeguarding its historic fabric. The work secures the long-term future and sustainability of the Custom House for the King's Lynn community, supporting the borough's wider ambitions for the historic riverfront.