Gainsborough town centre regeneration to create 200 jobs
West Lindsey District Council has announced a new partnership with Muse Developments which it says will accelerate the regeneration of Gainsborough.
The Lincolnshire council has selected Muse as preferred partner on an initial deal for up to five years, but could stretch to 12 years to ensure there is sustained investment in the district.
The first phase of the development will focus on the historic Gainsborough town centre and will seek to develop a cinema with restaurant outlets at the western end of the town centre, creating a new public square. There will also be public realm improvements to the riverfront.
It is set to create over 100 new jobs in construction and a further 100-plus jobs during the operational phase of the development programme, contributing around £14m overall to the economy.
Councillor Sheila Bibb, chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee said: “Attracting a partner to West Lindsey District Council with excellent regeneration credentials, gives the council real confidence that its growth plans are on target to deliver not only for Gainsborough but the wider economic benefits for the district.
“The council’s prospectus for Invest Gainsborough has been a great showcase, presenting the scale and range of development opportunities. It has been supported by Homes England and the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) which has been instrumental to our success.”
Muse is a national developer with regional operations in Manchester, London, Leeds and Glasgow.
David Wells, regional director at Muse Developments said: “We are both proud and excited to partner with West Lindsey District Council on the regeneration of Gainsborough, which will bring real, sustainable change to the town.
“We are at the start of a long journey with the council and are very much looking forward to working with them, the community and other stakeholders, to achieve the ambitions set out in the Invest in Gainsborough document.”
Cllr Jeff Summers Leader of West Lindsey District Council said: “This will lead to the total transformation of Gainsborough over the next five years to rebalance the town’s economy. Combined with a range of other initiatives through out the town we hope to breath new life into both day and night time economy. Creating an atmosphere every one seeks to enjoy.
“This long term strategy to create a sustainable place, will refocus the minds of local business people and visitors alike creating a vibrancy we should all aspire to. After all this is our town and we all need to strive in creating something to be proud off. I am delighted we are seeing the fruits of our labour.
“I look forward to working with Muse in helping to deliver the renaissance of Gainsborough.”
West Lindsey says a second phase of projects is under review and will announced later this year aimed to further regenerate the riverside area, brownfield land and sustainable urban extensions.
