The Maltings

The Maltings is a striking brick and flint building within the heart of Wells next the Sea which was built in the early 19th century. In the late 16th century, Wells was the major port for the area and by the first half of the 18th century the town become a major exporter of malt. In 1890 the town had 9 large malthouses, each employing over 50 people. Wells next the Sea is now a seaside resort with a small working port, and the building is one of the last remaining malthouses in Wells.

Today the Maltings houses the Granary Theatre – an intimate, 69 seat space which hosts regular drama performances, comedy and concerts plus regular films from Screen next the Sea. The community spaces comprise a community hall and bar with a capacity of 200 people and two further community rooms – the Raven Room and the Jubilee Room. The community rooms host regular events and activities including talks, fitness classes, craft fairs, parties and community meetings.

The Sackhouse

The Sackhouse is a further historic building situated next to the Maltings and was where the sacks from the port and maltings process were woven and repaired. Today the building houses office space and further room space which is available to hire.

Background

In  2009 a steering group was created to take forward the future development of the Maltings site – both in terms of increasing the activities on offer and ultimately overseeing the redevelopment of the facilities.
Thanks to grant funding from the Commission on Architecture and the Built Environment's 'Sea Change' initiative an initial feasibility study was completed, involving extensive consultation with local residents, businesses and organisations which showed that there was strong support for the project, with 92% of those who took part in favour of the development of the Maltings, with museum, auditorium and improved community facilities.

Download the business case and feasibility study here:-
feasibility_study.zip

Staithe Street - Wells-next-the-Sea - the cottages to the left no longer exist and the site now contains the Tourist Information Centre.

Rear view of the Maltings Building from the car park.