Plans for new library and bus station in Hunstanton

Norfolk County Council has finalised plans to redevelop the former library and revamp the bus station at Hunstanton and hopes to start work later this year.

Some 47 new homes and shops were originally proposed for the site on Westgate, near the High Street, in plans drawn up by West Norfolk Council in 2020.

But the £10m scheme was abandoned in January last year after the council said changes in building regulations and rising costs made it no longer viable.

Now the county council is consulting West Norfolk before it formally gives the development the go-ahead for what it describes as a new travel and community hub. 

The former library and bus station at Hunstanton (Image: Google)

"The proposal involves the refurbishment of the former public library in Hunstanton and two former commercial premises adjacent to it," say planning papers.

"The aim is to create a single open plan library facility in Hunstanton town centre."

Proposals to modernise the toilets and changing facilities at the bus station are also included in the application, while the overall scheme includes new passenger shelters and cycle parking.

Work on site is planned to start from September to avoid disruption during the summer holiday period and be completed by spring 2025.

As well as public transport, the revamped hub will link into walking and cycling routes, to encourage people to explore the area on foot or on two wheels.

Half of the £2m needed for the project will come from government money allocated for improving bus services in Norfolk. Hunstanton is one of the busiest bus stations in the county.

The remainder will come from the council's capital fund.