Swaffham Assembly Rooms
The commission from Swaffham Town Council in 2003 was to refurbish and conserve the Grade II listed building that had become dilapidated and unfit for its purpose as a community resource. Originally built in 1776-78 with the south front added in 1817 by William Newham the building has two main rooms. The Regency room fronting the Market Place and the larger Ballroom behind. During the second world was it served as a canteen for America soldiers and in the 1950’s became the dining hall for the nearby grammar school.
Damage to the principal elevations had been exacerbated by the application of cement render that had caused the brickwork to deteriorate. This was removed and replaced with traditional lime render and limewash. Front entrance steps were remodelled and a ramp constructed to ensure accessibility. Elsewhere the building fabric was repaired and adapted using appropriate conservation methods and materials.
A new kitchen now serves the Ballroom that used for wedding receptions and a multitude of classes, meetings, markets and exhibitions. A servery in the Regency rooms allows this space to be used independently if needed and a set of double banked doors with a lobby ensures acoustic separation. The upgrade also included new WCs, service rooms, low energy lighting scheme and a heat recovery plant.
