The Assembly Rooms, Swaffham

Client : Iceni Partnership Ltd

Contract Value : £800,000

The refurbishment of the Georgian Assembly Rooms in the centre of town to enhance appearance, improve accessibility and maximise use by the people of Swaffham.

Numerous essential structural works had been identified for the building. The challenge was to enhance the appearance internally and externally, and improve access, with the very limited funding remaining.

The architect liased closely with the Conservation Officer, aiming for a sympathetically refurbished listed building, rather than a restoration.

The result was two light and inviting function halls, with original timber floors, attractive decoration, chandeliers and generous storage facilities. The smaller hall houses a curved bar, designed to complement the space whilst providing further facilities requested by the potential users. The previously blank wall in the larger hall now benefits from two bottom lit 'dummy' windows with recesses and a huge wall mounted mirror thus reflecting light and adding to the feeling of space.

Elsewhere structural changes enabled the construction of a generous sized kitchen with servery to one function hall, and male, female and disabled toilet facilities.

All of the services in the building were replaced. Externally, the architect has designed a ramp and steps, with seating, thus enabling everyone to access the building through its main and prominent entrance. Glazed automatic doors have resulted in an entrance lobby that is light and welcoming to locals and visitors to Swaffham.

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