The Maltings and Sackhouse

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 with a capacity of 200 people and two further community rooms – the Raven Room and the Jubilee Room.
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 available to hire.

The Maltings Project

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 feasibility study here:-
feasibility_study.zip

Wells Maltings Trust

In 2010 the Wells Maltings Trust was created to steer the project which plans to transform the building into an all year round destination for both local people and visitors. The Maltings Trust Board includes representatives from current building users, the local business community, Wells Town Council, Wells Area Partnership and North Norfolk District Council.
The project has an exciting and ambitious vision – to restore, repair and preserve the building, eventually creating a landmark resource for those both living in and visiting Wells. We will be able to enjoy a new museum celebrating the maritime history of Wells and the local area, a larger, flexible auditorium, a new space especially for youth activities, a cafe and rooms for education, training and events.
The Maltings buildings have played an important role in the life of Wells over decades. Together we can make sure that the Maltings remains a vital, sustainable community hub in the centre of Wells for generations to come.
We need your help to raise the funds for this ambitious project. Please support us.

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Project Progress

In November 2010 grant funding enabled the Maltings Project to employ a dedicated Project Development Manager to assist with taking the project forwards and carry on the fundraising process.The Project Development Manager is based in the Wells Maltings Project Office on Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-Sea.
In January 2011 Wells Maltings Trust was granted charity status.
In June 2011, a 99 year lease was granted to the Wells Maltings Trust and responsibility for the Maltings and Sackhouse building transferred over to the charity.
In July 2011 Initial repairs were completed on the Sackhouse floor, making safe the upper floors of the building for public use.
Summer 2011 also saw the development of six dedicated working groups, to take forward the various strands of the project.