The Staithe Street site is being transformed into a landmark cultural and community destination with a new heritage and learning centre, tourist information provision, theatre, community space, gallery and café.

Eastern Daily Press: An artist's impression of how the building will look when work is complete.An artist's impression of how the building will look when work is complete. (Image: Archant)

Initial strip out work has uncovered roof beams and iron support columns that date back to when the building was in use as a working Maltings in the late 1800s.

'It's really exciting to see work getting under way,' said Becky Jefcoate, project development manager for Wells Maltings Trust. 'We have spent the last five years fundraising and developing the plans for the new facility to get the project to this point.

'It's rewarding to finally have builders on site and to see the beautiful industrial heritage of the building revealed.'

The next few months will see an archaeology dig on site, where it is hoped work will be completed by the end of 2017.

The Maltings Trust is working on a series of events and activities which will run over the next 18 months until the new facility opens. It includes an oral history sound installation using local memories and stories, a community banners project using digital photography and traditional textile skills, a community play celebrating the life of Alderman Peel, a sculpture trail connecting the beach with the town centre and a website development project. There are also themed events in the pipeline including a 1940s Vintage Day on May 12, and the award winning Wells Pirate Festival in September.

To support the fundraising appeal or find out more click here.