23/03/2023: Iconic Norfolk building to be restored to Georgian glory

The historic Swaffham Assembly Rooms, built in 1776, will benefit from £160,000 in grant funding to help restore the exterior of this Grade II listed building to its former Georgian glory. 

Exterior restoration work will begin shortly on this iconic building on Swaffham marketplace, which was built in the same year that witnessed George Washington leading the American Revolution and Captain Cook setting sail on his final voyage to the Pacific islands.  The Assembly Rooms have been a focal point in the town now for over 200 years, but the building is now in need of extensive exterior repairs, especially around water proofing and roof repairs. These repairs and restoration work will now be funded by Historic England, Breckland Council, the Iceni Partnership and Swaffham Town Council. The funding partners are part of the Swaffham High Streets Heritage Action Zone Project.
Cllr Paul Claussen, Executive Member for Economic Development and Growth at Breckland Council, commented: "I am delighted to see our High Streets Heritage Action Zone Project deliver such an outstanding and significant project for Swaffham. We have worked incredibly hard to develop these new partnerships and fostered the right environment to secure significant investment. The work which we are helping to fund will now protect the Assembly Rooms and secure this building for future generations to enjoy."

Councillor Judy Anscombe, Deputy Mayor from Swaffham Town Council commented: "As one of the stakeholders supporting the High Streets Heritage Action Zone Project for the Assembly Rooms, I am looking forward to seeing the improvements to this iconic and historic building in the centre of the Town. It is good for Swaffham, with the Assembly Rooms overlooking the Market Place, to have this building looking pristine once again. 
 
Tony Calladine, East of England Regional Director, Historic England, said: "I'm delighted that partnership working has enabled the repair and restoration of the historic Assembly Rooms.  This important building will continue to be at the heart of the community for years to come and a place where people can be proud to come together." 
 
Dennis Tallon, Chairman of the Iceni Partnership commented: "Iceni Partnership are delighted to be working alongside Historic England, Swaffham Town Council and Breckland Council to deliver this renovation project to bring one of Swaffhams prominent landmark buildings back to its former glory".

Cllr Ian Sherwood and Cllr David Wickerson, Swaffham Breckland Ward members commented: "The Assembly Rooms are one of the jewels in Swaffham's crown, and we are truly delighted that the Swaffham HAZ partnership will see the building restored to its full Georgian glory. This is a truly amazing community asset, which will now be secured for generations to come."