Norfolk’s sight loss charity has a new home in the historic centre of King’s Lynn – which has been completely refurbished with the help of two big-hearted local businesses.
Vision Norfolk has moved its west Norfolk hub from a building on a business park to the north of the town into Thoresby College on Queen Street, following a major renovation of the new premises.
“We have been looking for a more central and accessible location for our King’s Lynn hub for some time, so when the lease expired on our former building, we were delighted to be offered a suite of rooms in Thoresby College,” explained chief executive Andrew Morter.
“However, the new premises needed some considerable work, including reflooring and repair work to the plaster walls.”
The charity put out an appeal on social media for help, which was answered by construction consultancy firm Mace Group, which is currently converting the former Argos store in the town into a community hub.
The company sourced some nearly-new carpet which was being taken up at another project, and laid it in the new hub. Workmen from Mace also made good the plaster, enabling Vision Norfolk staff to take up their paint brushes and completely redecorate the premises.
Meanwhile, Brewers Decorators Centre in King’s Lynn donated some of the paint needed, and offered the rest at a significant discount.
“We couldn’t have achieved the wonderful hub we now have for vision impaired people in west Norfolk without the generosity of Mace in terms of sourcing the carpet and giving their time and expertise, and of Brewers in helping us with materials,” said Mr Morter. “It has been a real community effort, and we are so grateful to those who stepped forward to help.”
Visiting the new hub to help open it, Dave Bentley from Mace, who is project managing the MUCH community hub project, said, “When we heard that Vision Norfolk needed some help to get their new premises fit for occupation, we were very happy to step forward and do what we could to help.
“We are very aware that charities are facing significant financial challenges at the moment, so it’s good to be able to do what we can to enable them to continue providing their vital support for people living with sight loss.”
The new Vision Norfolk hub is situated at 20 Thoresby College, Queen Street, King’s Lynn. Full details of the support Vision Norfolk offers those living with sight loss can be found at www.visionnorfolk.org.uk.
