Beautifully restored historic shop fronts and high-quality residential units have been unveiled in Gainsborough’s town centre.
West Lindsey District Council leaders celebrated the transformation of several properties in the town with a tour.
The Townscape Heritage Initiative, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Government’s Levelling Up Fund has support the reinstatement of historic shopfronts attracting businesses to relocate to the historic heart of Gainsborough.
It has also led to the creation of much-needed housing with high-quality residential units being created above the shops, many of which have already been let.
Property Investors and business owners were proud to showcase their work to council leaders and talk about why they have invested in Gainsborough town centre.
Cllr Trevor Young, Leader of the Council, and Cllr Lesley Rollings, Deputy Leader were delighted with the quality of the work and the commitment from everyone involved in the project.
Cllr Young said: “I am proud to see the transformation in Gainsborough and how both local businesses and investors are contributing to the development of our town.The quality of work, both inside and out, is simply stunning and it is incredible to see people from outside the area are seeing the potential of the town and investing in Gainsborough. It is a town steeped in history, so to see the heritage of these buildings combined with modern infrastructure is really special.”
Cllr Rollings added: “It has been fantastic to meet the investors and business owners and for them to showcase the hard work they have been doing. It’s great to see they care so passionately about protecting the heritage of these lovely and using the special charm to make unique homes.”
The Townscape Heritage Initiative was created to help restore and improve the town’s historic buildings and to help local people and visitors better understand the heritage of the town.
Bringing Market Place back to life
Property developers Richard Eadington and Michael Hatton are restoring a shop unit and creating residential units in the Market Place, using traditional materials to maintain the historical integrity of the building.
Richard said: “We decided to invest in the town because we liked how Gainsborough looked and where it is going. It feels like it’s been through its downturn and has turned a corner and is now full of life.”
Investing in Gainsborough's Future
Horsleys are continuing to invest after 125 years of trading in the town. They have recently renovated a commercial unit close to the new cinema development for a Bedroom Centre.
Owner Dave Horsley said: “We chose the Market Place location for its increased footfall and vibrant atmosphere. When the cinema opens, it will be a nice shopping and leisure environment for people to enjoy when they visit.”
Creating high quality town centre homes on Silver Street
Jonathan Gale launched his first ‘solo’ project, using local tradesmen and subcontractors he transformed the building on Silver Street to create three high quality residential units and restored the shop front.
Jonathan said the THI funding enabled the project to proceed. His property boasts stained-glass windows and exposed beams which all form part of the charm, preserving the heritage and character of the property.
He said: “I have enjoyed working in a building with historic features older, period features and regenerating it back to its former glory.”
The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Philip Dymoke also praised the regeneration project. He said: “What stood out is the effort that has been put in to developing a town centre for the people of Gainsborough to enjoy and live. It appears, in the last 10 years or so, places have focused on building outside the centres, but actually what we have here is a centre which can be used for everybody, which is tremendous.”
Townscape Heritage Initiative
The Townscape Heritage Initiative was made possible with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and West Lindsey District Council.
To find out more about business support available such as 1-2-1 business support, and funding visit: Business services and support | West Lindsey District Council.