Showcasing a sample of things to come at Wells Maltings
Old meets new, the Wells Maltings building at Wells-next-the-sea PHOTO: Sarah Toon Photography - Credit: Sarah Toon Photography
The £5m Wells Maltings complex is gearing up for a busy summer, before launching officially this September.
Wells Maltings, offering a multitude of arts and heritage events in North Norfolk PHOTO: Sarah Toon Photography - Credit: Sarah Toon Photography
The former 19th century malt house on Staithe Street, which has been greatly extended and refurbished over the past two years, hopes to become north Norfolk's premier arts, heritage and community centre.
With an official launch due in three months' time, this summer sees Wells Maltings hosting a number of events, to show members of the public what they can expect from the new building.
The venue will be putting on a year-round programme of film, drama, dance, music, art, heritage, comedy and family activities when it opens fully, and this week has seen several events open to the public.
Saturday saw the launch of the Wells Heritage Arts Trail.
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Mary Brady, Wells Maltings' learning and engagement manager said: 'One of the first things we wanted to do was take art outside and invite people to enjoy sculpture in natural surroundings. We had visitors from all over the county and beyond, which was fantastic.'
Ms Brady has also been working with local primary school children who have shown great enthusiasm for the project so far.
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She said: 'I think it's really important for young people in the area to have a sense of place and history, to know what Wells used to be like. I had a young boy recently who was excited to discover that he had a family relative who worked in the malt house many years ago.'
The new building is the epitome of past and present. The brick and flint, Grade II maltings building is coupled with modern glass, brass and steel to create an inviting community space.
Simon Daykin, director of Wells Maltings, said: 'Our vision at Wells Maltings is to connect everyone with the very best in arts and culture, with their local heritage and with each other; we aim to establish and sustain the Maltings as a thriving, welcoming and vibrant hub of cultural and community activity, where people come together to enjoy, create and participate.'
Around 100 volunteers have been recruited to help run the charitable organisation.
Ms Brady said: 'We ran a recruitment drive in April and took on everyone from box office staff to gardeners. Our volunteers are from all over Norfolk. www.wellsmaltings.org.uk
