District council have set aside funds to support multi-million riverside development

Council leaders backed a regeneration delivery plan, involving key partners, which could see £18 million invested in Gainsborough.

It comes just days after the council announced it will be carrying out a four week consultation with residents on plans to grant outline planning permission on Carr Lane. This would allow the redevelopment of the area for housing and the establishment of a riverside linear park.

The site is mostly vacant and has been disused for a number of years.

The council would seek to accommodate this plan through establishing a simplified planning regime, known as a Local Development Order.

The latest news demonstrates the council is committed to delivering the following:

Strengthen the town’s ability to improve and promote the riverside location to attract commercial developers

Create a mix of quality accommodation, a marina and new retail offer to entice families to relocate to the area.

Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Coun Jeff Summers, said: “The council wants to see a vibrant town centre with new homes, jobs and leisure facilities.

“For this to happen we need a robust plan to improve what is already here and to attract developers and people to move here to make the area sustainable.

“I am in full support of these plans, which back up what the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan is looking to achieve.”

It also heavily supports other initiatives already running in the town including the Governments first flagship Housing Zones to encourage the speedy redevelopment of sites known as brownfield land. It is hoped it will be a catalyst to help regenerate Gainsborough, bringing with it 750 new homes.

Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee at the council, Coun Owen Bierley, said: “The Housing and Communities Agency has provided us with support and funding to drive projects to regenerate Gainsborough.

“They are currently working with Historic England to assess the feasibility and viability of developing all of the 13 sites identified in the Housing Zone and the work needed to revitalise the town centre. It is an exciting time for Gainsborough and its impact will have a positive effect on West Lindsey as a whole.”

Eve Fawcett-Moralee, strategic lead for economic development and neighbourhoods is leading on the project, working with private landowners to attract developers.

She said: “The town centre proposals are designed to repair and enhance the physical environment and assist property owners to attract new tenants and create a new offer in the town. The riverside provides an ideal backdrop for development and we need to capitalise on this.

“Our programme of work will also address the trading conditions and improvements required to enhance the operating environment of the street market to drive footfall in the town centre and build momentum. There is a lot of work to do but the council and our partners are committed to this plan.”

The consultation for the Local Development Order for Carr Lane started on Monday, February 15, and will close on Sunday, March 13. A drop in session will be held at the Trinity Arts Centre on Wednesday, March 2, between noon and 7.30pm for people to discuss the plans.

The plans are available at www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/riversidegateway. Hard copies are available to see on request at the Guildhall, Gainsborough.