Good news for Grantham as proposals announced for £880,000 of improvements

The £880,000 of work comprises:

• Installation of power to Market Place and Westgate including groundworks and connection fees

• Planters, benches and cycle parking

• Grantham Museum Improvements, particularly to mitigate damp and improve environmental conditions for exhibits

• Re-working and improvements to the public space and the conservation area of the cultural quarter

• Direction signs for Grantham Railway Station, Bus Station, bus stands and carparks to and from the town centre and key points of interest

• Removable bollards surrounding Conduit Lane car park

• Equipment for development and growth of Grantham Market

The funding for these projects comes from a successful bid to the Government which was awarded in April 2021 via the Future High Streets Fund (FHSF).

SKDC’s Cabinet met today (Tuesday) to seek authority to enter into to contract for the series of projects to use the remainder of the allocation to improve Grantham town centre for the benefit of everyone who uses it.

The aim of the Future High Streets Fund is to renew and reshape town centres and high streets in a way that drives growth, improves experience and ensures future sustainability.

Councillor Leader, Cllr Ashley Baxter said: “The prospect of even more investment in Grantham town centre is great news for residents, businesses and visitors.

“These projects will be funded from a windfall resulting from a underspend against budget for the recent Market Place and Station Approach improvement works.

“To avoid the funds being returned to central government, our officers and elected members have negotiated with Civil Servants (at the Ministry of Housing Community and Local Government) to secure permission for the additional works be delivered during the next 12 months.”

This follows SKDC’s offer to new market traders in Grantham of a free four-week trial period to get a feel for trading on Grantham Market before deciding whether to sign up as a regular trader, as well as drop-in workshops and street entertainment for visitors to coincide with specialist craft and farmers’ markets.

Public toilets at Conduit Lane in Grantham have recently reopened following extensive refurbishment through the FHSF.

The Council’s investment programme also saw improvements to the Market Place and Station Approach last year.

Raised road levels in the Market Place has created a multi-use social space to encourage footfall and diversify town centre businesses, market and leisure opportunities.

At Station Approach, resurfacing, upgraded pedestrian access, and improved traffic signals have enhanced safety and created a more welcoming route into the town for visitors arriving by train.

These projects follow SKDC's earlier initiatives to enhance shopfronts, improve the town’s appeal, and encourage affordable housing through upper-floor conversions.

The Grantham Future High Street Fund programme is administered by the South Kesteven District Council’s economic development team and is supported by delivery partners

The new projects must be contractually committed by the council by March 31^st 2025, and delivered by March 31^st 2026.