Final plans for West Norfolk estate's redevelopment announced - Wayne Hemingway involved with designs for new look

The final plans for a multi-million regeneration scheme for a King's Lynn housing estate are being presented to the community today.

The proposals for Hillington Square are set to be submitted to West Norfolk Council in the next few days and it is hoped work can start as soon as permission is granted.

The result will see 17 of the existing units demolished and some residents are also likely to be temporarily re-house while work is carried out.

Designs and ideas for the major project were originally unveiled at the end of last year and residents were consulted on the best way forward for the project.

The plans have now been further developed by Mae architects and designers Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway, of Hemingway Design, following extensive consultation with local residents and leaseholders.

Alex Ely, partner with Mae LLP, said: 'We're confident that our design now embraces the best ideas that came forward from the consultation while also reflecting concerns that were expressed by residents.'

Mr Hemingway said: 'These plans represent an opportunity to transform Hillington Square and they have been developed after spending time talking and listening to local residents. We have worked closely with the community to capture their ideas so that we can develop a vision for the site that will bring change to this part of King's Lynn. This latest stage in the regeneration moves us all closer towards a brighter future for Hillington Square.'

The scheme will see the flats, maisonettes and bedsits renovated while the area itself will be opened up and redesigned.

The estate, just off the town centre, was built between 1967 and 1971 following slum clearance and there was initially a waiting list of people wanting to move there.

But the structures, with covered walkways, have become dated and less attractive to tenants over the years and the area is in need of revitalising. The estate is predominantly social housing but around 50 of the 320 homes are leased to private tenants.

Tony Hall, chief executive of Freebridge Community Housing said: 'We listened to resident feedback and have updated our plans accordingly. We want to revamp Hillington Square so it becomes a place of choice for residents, somewhere people want to live, work and visit.

'This is a crucial time for the project as with planning permission, we will be closer to getting on site and beginning the work which will transform this area. This is a truly exciting project for Freebridge and for Lynn.'

Part of the estate will be demolished to make the site more open while new elements will be incorporated, including new staircases with controlled access to help with security for residents.

The blocks will be separated to create a more 'open' feel to the estate and all the windows will be replaced.

Improved car parking, storage and a landscaping scheme will all be included in the plans.

The exact cost of the project has not been revealed by Freebridge and it will be completed in phases, starting with Greyfriars and Millfleet.

There had been earlier calls for the whole of Hillington Square to be demolished but Mr Hemingway said it was never going to be an affordable option.

The final plans will be presented to residents on Wednesday from 10am to 5pm at Hillington Square Community Centre.

See tomorrow's EDP for reaction to the proposals.