A bid for £5,558,818 of funding to regenerate Grantham’s town centre has been secured by InvestSK and South Kesteven District Council today (Saturday).
The money, which follows a competitive tender submitted to the Government’s £1 billion Future High Street programme in July 2020, will help to realise a number of key projects designed to reinvent Grantham’s high street and boost the vitality of the area for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors alike.
The project proposals submitted as part of the bid were developed following consultation with local businesses, strategic stakeholders and local residents. They include transforming the access gateway into the town, converting empty retail units into new homes and workplaces, and investing in other vital infrastructure and public realm enhancements.
Councillor Kelham Cooke, Chairman of InvestSK and Leader of South Kesteven District Council, said: “I’m delighted we’ve secured this significant funding and once in a generation opportunity to create the next phase of Grantham’s growth, making it an even better place where people want to live, work and visit.
“Grantham has so many incredible assets but, like many towns, it faces challenges. The Future High Street programme will boost our local economy and provide a better quality of life and experience for all and, as we continue to deal with the impact of Covid-19, the timing couldn’t be better.
“The success of this funding bid is down to genuine partnership working between InvestSK, the Council, private landowners, infrastructure providers and local businesses, and we’ll build on this collaboration further to deliver our exciting vision for a more vibrant and prosperous Grantham.”
Rachael Wilson, Community Investment Manager at LNER, said: “We have worked closely with InvestSK and South Kesteven District Council to develop proposals to better integrate the railway station and the town centre and are committed to supporting our customers and communities who live along the LNER route.”
William Lee from Buckminster Estates, a key local stakeholder and supporter of Grantham’s Future High Street bid, said: “We would welcome the opportunity to work with InvestSK and its partners on finessing the strategy and implementing its masterplan on the ground.”
To watch a short film summarising Grantham’s ‘Living Town’ Future High Street bid, click here.
More details about the programme will be released in due course but if you’d like to register your interest to receive updates, please email InvestSK: [email protected].
