Funding will secure the future of one of Wells’ most historic and important buildings for the next 100 years
The Wells Maltings Project aims to transform a dilapidated Maltings building into a new heritage and learning centre, with a theatre and community space. Picture: Wells Maltings project - Credit: Archant
A £300,000 investment will secure the future of one of Wells' most important and historic buildings for the next century, according to the project's manager.
The Wells Maltings project has been ongoing for seven years.
It is seeing dilapidated maltings building being transformed into a year-round visitor attraction.
Now the project will benefit from a £311,124 contribution from the government's Coastal Communities Fund.
When completed the building will feature heritage and learning facilities that will tell stories of the local maritime history.
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There will be an auditorium for theatre, cinema, conferences and training events, a large community space and a gallery.
Project development manager Becky Jefcoate said: 'The building has been at the heart of the community for many years and this investment will help to secure its future for the next 100 years or so. It's taken seven years of incredibly hard work to get to this point and it's fantastic to see the project getting the support it deserves.
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'This will transform the centre of Wells, provide volunteering and job opportunities, and create an amazing new facility for local people and visitors to enjoy all year round.
'There will be something for everyone to enjoy from fantastic quality theatre, cinema and changing exhibitions to special events for all ages, fresh local produce in the cafe and space for community gatherings, courses and classes.'
The Wells Maltings Trust is leading a programme of events for the community to get involved in during the renovation of the building. Over the next 12 months they will hold a community play, interactive heritage events and an oral history project.
The contribution from the Coastal Communities Fund is part of the government's multi-million pound cash boost for projects across the east coast.
Communities secretary Sajid Javid said: 'There's a range of exciting projects set to benefit along the Norfolk and Suffolk coastline, from restoring Lowestoft's seafront promenade to the regeneration of Ipswich waterfront gateway.
'This new funding will help attract even more tourists to the East coast and help our seaside towns and coastal areas thrive.'
