£48m Levelling Up bids submitted for ambitious schemes across South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership

The regeneration of cultural and heritage attractions in East Lindsey, revitalising under-used areas of Boston and schemes to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in South Holland make up the bids across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

The partnership's sovereign councils - East Lindsey District Council, Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council - have each submitted bids this week as part of the second round of the Government's Levelling Up fund.

The fund is specifically designed to secure capital investment in infrastructure that has the potential to improve lives and give people pride in their communities. The fund being one component of the Government 'Levelling Up' ambition.

If successful, East Lindsey would gain more than £8.1m to work with its partners on cultural and tourism projects in the market towns of Alford and Spilsby.

The money would secure the future of heritage assets, adding to the tourism offer across the Lincolnshire Wolds as well as compliment the Towns Deal funding already secured for projects in Skegness and Mablethorpe.

The bid includes £1.1m for Alford Windmill to help save the historic mill which is now on the Heritage at Risk register. Work would see the mill restored and reopen as a major attraction, including a new visitor experience, café, shop and a new holiday cottage created. £2.05m would go to Alford Manor House to create a permanent function space as well as the relocation and improvement of the tearoom and kitchen, freeing up space for improved displays within the museum.

Spilsby Sessions House would be supported to bring the building back into use as a theatre and as a community-owned space. The listed building also has a significant place in history, for its past use as a jail, and funding would allow the building's old police cells to be opened to the public, creating a new visitor attraction.

Cllr Adam Grist, portfolio holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy at East Lindsey District Council said: "I am delighted we have been able to submit a bid working with partners which will bring vital improvements to heritage facilities in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

"These buildings are of great historic importance and are much loved by the local community and wider East Lindsey. If successful, this bid will help regenerate these important assets, create new tourist attractions, and help secure their future for years to come."

In Boston, a bid for up to £20million would support the ambitious plans seek to regenerate and reinvigorate a large brownfield opportunity in the centre of the town. Working with partners, the scheme known as PE21 will bring forward several strategic interventions which will collectively increase activity, footfall, and improve the image and vitality of the area.

At its heart is a significant investment in public realm, along with the redevelopment of adjacent sites for a variety of commercial, residential and other uses.

The proposals will address the vacant Crown House and B&M buildings, and the proposal is intended to be high-quality and high impact making a visible positive difference for the short and longer-term. The proposals will then compliment the wider regeneration ambition for the area.

Cllr Nigel Welton, deputy leader and portfolio Holder for Economic Growth at Boston Borough Council said: "This is another great example of the public and private sector working together to help bring investment into Boston. This forward-thinking council is focussed on doing all that it can to help improve the economy, create new job opportunities and install a sense of pride for residents in the town. This is an ambitious scheme which could bring real change for Boston for future generations."

In South Holland, Levelling Up money would see the Castle Sports Complex site in Spalding remodelled as part of the district's £20m bid.

A scheme which aims to improve the lives of its residents, the scheme would include a new 3G floodlit football pitch to allow pa all year round, a changing pavilion, a multi-use games area for a variety of other sports including basketball and three new swimming pool facilities including a large pool, a teaching pool and a splash.

The bid also includes community rooms and space dedicated for use to provide a health and wellbeing hub including services for mental health, diabetes, Alzheimer's and dementia support. 

Money would also support an Extra Care housing scheme in South Holland specifically for the district's older residents.

Cllr Nick Worth, Deputy Leader of South Holland District Council and Portfolio Holder for People, Places, Economy said: "This ambitious bid is all about improving the lives of the people of South Holland. From improved leisure and sports facilities to extra care housing for our older residents, this bid will help bring new health and wellbeing services to the district. If successful, the bid will have a significant and transformative impact on our residents, young and old.

"We have a bid which can deliver real change to people's lives and to achieve that, will be a great thing for the district."

An announcement on the Levelling Up bids is expected in the Autumn.

2 August 2022