Councillors to discuss relocation plans to safeguard and expand charity’s support for vulnerable people in West Norfolk

The local charity helps people experiencing homelessness and social vulnerability in West Norfolk. Part of its work is the Purfleet Pantry, a social supermarket with more than 600 members, supplying affordable food and essentials for residents on low incomes.

Due to the deteriorating condition of its current temporary premises at Southgates, which is due for future development, several alternative sites for the Pantry have been explored with the Trust, with South Lynn Community Centre identified as the preferred location.

A report due to be considered by councillors this month says relocation of the Pantry to the larger base would enable the Trust to safeguard and strengthen its existing social supermarket offer, while introducing a wider range of community-focussed activities.

The proposed move would allow the charity to operate more efficiently, enabling them to expand the development of cookery classes, budget-friendly shopping workshops, and other practical skills programmes designed to help residents make healthier, more sustainable choices.

The increased space and improved facilities at South Lynn Community Centre also creates the potential to establish a community café, offering a welcoming social hub that promotes inclusion, reduces isolation and encourages community cohesion.

The community centre will remain available for community hire and bookings, as it is currently through the current council-run operation.

The proposal to provide the Trust with a 15-year lease of the community centre is due to be discussed at the Environment & Community Panel on 14 April, before being presented for a decision to Cabinet on 23 April.

If the relocation goes ahead, the Trust's homeless support services will continue to be delivered at Austin Fields. At South Lynn, the play area, playing field and the multi-use games area will remain within the council's responsibility.

Duncan Hall, the council's Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing & Place, said: "The Purfleet Trust is an important partner in West Norfolk, committed to improving the wellbeing, resilience and long-term stability of vulnerable people, and the Purfleet Pantry is a valuable part of their offer.

"The Pantry's temporary premises at Southgates is reaching the end of its life and set for redevelopment. Meanwhile, usage of South Lynn Community Centre has fluctuated in recent years, with limited community use, and we've been exploring options for improving the sustainability of the building.

"Relocating the Pantry to the Community Centre therefore presents a significant win-win opportunity to safeguard this valuable service and support a trusted local organisation to expand and enhance its offer, while securing the sustainable use of the centre for community benefit. This is a decision for councillors and would be subject to a lease, which is proposed to come into effect this summer."

Paula Hall, Chief Executive of the Purfleet, said: "The Purfleet Pantry delivers a vital and ever-more needed service and we are excited at the prospect of partnering with the Borough council to relocate operation to South Lynn Community Centre.

"The move would give us certainly to deliver our services for many years to come and allow us not only to continue to offer affordable food to our members, but to greatly expand what we do.

"The Pantry is already a hub for those we support, but the space and opportunities at the community centre would allow us to do much more.

"The Purfleet Trust is passionate about supporting our community and we share many values with the Borough, not least our commitment to the Marmot principles which address health inequalities. Access to affordable, fresh produce along with the knowledge and skills to make the most of them, can play a huge role in creating and developing healthy communities."