The opening date for a new art gallery in the historic quarter of King's Lynn has been announced.

Eastern Daily Press: The Winlove building on Purfleet Street in King's Lynn, will open as an art gallery next month. Picture: Ian BurtThe Winlove building on Purfleet Street in King's Lynn, will open as an art gallery next month. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2016)

Work began earlier this year to transform the Winlove Building, which was once a derelict eyesore on Purfleet Street.

The former 1930s workshop stood empty for 20 years but thanks to the vision of its owner Veronica Sekules, former head of education and research at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich, it will opening its doors to a fresh start on July 15.

The inaugural exhibition 'Sunlight and Gravity', will feature new works by Richard Long and Roger Ackling, who died from motor neurone disease in 2014.

The exhibition at what will now be known as the GroundWork gallery, will be held in memory of Mr Ackling and include his characteristic reliefs made with driftwood and using the rays of the sun.

Mr Long is creating a new drawing for the gallery using mud from King's Lynn's tidal river, the Great Ouse, alongside a series of images made with Avon river mud.

Dr Sekules said: 'King's Lynn is a beautiful old market port and really needs a good contemporary gallery. I aim to bring artists who are established and with major international reputations and to showcase the work of up and coming artists.

'This gallery will be unique for the UK in concentrating on art and environment.

'I hope it will bring a new energy to the town, showing that regeneration does not have to be led by huge public projects, but that a small and distinctive initiative can make a real difference.'

According to the owner, a living space at the top of the building will be launched as a holiday let later this year. It will feature views of the nearby landmark the Custom House.

Do you have a story about transforming a building in west Norfolk? Email sophie.biddle@archant.co.uk