Your opinion matters – let us know how you feel about Gainsborough | Invest Gainsborough

West Lindsey District Council has launched a new survey to find out how people feel about the town.

The results will be used to help shape our exciting plans to create a ‘Thriving Gainsborough’ which builds on our wider Invest Gainsborough programme of work.

As previously reported, the Council was successfully awarded £10 million from Central Government, as part of the ‘Levelling Up’ Programme to bring about change as part of our £17million work. It includes six new interventions, including building a new cinema and creating a new green space and much more.

As plans are progressing and some interventions such as the wayfinding signs have been completed and ready to update when projects are done, it is timely to pause and ask residents how they feel about the town centre.

The ‘Levelling Up’ Programme has been co-produced with our communities, politicians, local businesses and third-party investors. It builds on the momentum created by previous interventions and implements further visibly impactful and transformational change.

Our intention is to directly address the most pressing systemic challenges and market failures that continue to hold the town and our communities back, while ensuring that the town plays an active role in reducing carbon emissions.

This survey will close at 9am on Monday 19 February 2024, where the results will be analysed and fed into the projects.

Take part in the survey.

To keep up to date with all the Levelling-Up projects follow us @investGainsboro on Twitter or Instagram or you can find out more information via the website.

A brand-new employment space offering a range of commercial units has been built in Gainsborough by Lincolnshire-based contractors Stirlin.

Wharton Place, on Foxby Lane, was recently completed and provides over 18,900 sq ft of new employment space across 1.3 acres, offering a mix of light industrial units suitable for a variety of business uses.

Tony Lawton, Managing Director of Stirlin, who was at the site visit, said:

“We are thrilled to announce the recent completion of Wharton Place Business Park, which not only adds to our varied project portfolio, but meets the demand for contemporary, cost-effective commercial space in the area.

“Our investment in Gainsborough is a testament to the town’s growing appeal as a thriving place to live and work. We are pleased to be able to help facilitate the growing local business base and bring new employment to the area.”

All units will benefit from allocated parking, an electric sectional door, a personnel door and DDA compliant toilet facilities, as well as an eaves height of five metres to accommodate a mezzanine floor upon request.

Wharton Place is the third commercial park that Stirlin has delivered on Foxby Lane, following the success of Stirlin Place and Willoughton Place.

Director of Planning Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council, Sally Grindrod-Smith, said:

“I’m really pleased to have been able to visit the completed units at Wharton Place, the latest development on Foxby Lane Business Park by Stirlin.

“The 10 additional units provide further quality commercial space complementing the existing business ecosystem here on Foxby Lane. Neighbouring Mercury House, Stirlin Place and Willoughton Place are already home to a wide range of businesses providing local employment opportunities. This further investment into the wider site adds further diversity to Gainsborough’s established industrial property market, helping to meet demand for industrial, manufacturing and warehouse developments.

“We are delighted that Stirlin continue to invest significantly within West Lindsey with both commercial and residential developments. The current position with 50% of Wharton Place sold within weeks of completion really does highlight that West Lindsey is a great place to work and invest.”

To enquire, contact Stirlin on 01522 682752; [email protected]; or visit their website Stirlin

Find out how West Lindsey District Council can help and support your business here West Lindsey District Council Business Support

Making historically inspired leatherwork is a full-time job for Laurence White, who developed his business Shedtime from a hobby whilst working in Primary Care for the NHS.

Working from his workshop in Gainsborough, Laurence produces well researched, period-accurate reproductions and modern items with a historic theme.

Catering predominantly for collectors, museums, military enthusiasts and living history groups, Laurence makes items from period references or is often commissioned to carry out restoration work. The repair and restoration service can involve absolutely anything from a huge spectrum of historically made items from the last 150 years.

“I started the business as a development of a hobby while I was still employed a Paramedic, about ten years ago,” said Laurence.

“I always had an interest in traditional skills and studied wood and metal work at school and college. I used craft in my shed as a way to de-stress from my day Job. It became a goal to turn the hobby into an occupation after some opportunities opened.”

Laurence works from home, except when he’s teaching groups for providers such as Lincoln Castle Heritage Skills Centre, Heritage Lincolnshire at Heckington, Alford Craft Market and several other local craft groups and venues over the years.

He sources his materials from across the UK where he can, and will research suppliers to ensure he always buys the best quality at the right price.

“The right materials are important. I often buy stocks of period hardware, for example, from business that are closing and I seek out manufacturers in the UK. This is due to the highest levels of detail expected and offered in the recreation of the type of heritage items I sell.”

Laurence knows the importance in this business of developing working relationships with suppliers and sources most of his leather from a dealer in Matlock, with whom he’s worked with for a number of years.

“Our local tannery at Chesterfield went out of business last year, unfortunately, but thankfully their last stocks are still available through Identity Leather at Matlock.”

Although Laurence’s business is doing well and he has a loyal customer base, it’s not without it’s challenges.

“The main challenges to a craft business like mine, in the current economic climate, are the prevalence of cheap imported goods, which make handcrafted items made from quality materials like mine, unattainable for many.

“Adding material costs to several hours of labour at even basic living wage rates make even relatively simple items expensive to produce and instantly make them luxury goods. Therefore, the customer base can be quite small for such items.”

Commissioned work is a mainstay for Laurence, and this side of the business adds even more variety to his work on a regular basis.

“An example of an item I frequently have commissioned is a traditional and sturdy trouser belt. The commissioning conversation typically takes longer that some expect, I can offer a huge variety of choices for the belt to be a personalised item.

“I discuss with the client the type of leather, thickness, width, type of buckle, even the colour of the stitching. A typical simple belt in English ‘harness’ style would typically take me three hours of work over a couple of days, if you include all the processes, and waiting time for dye to dry etc. Several items are in process at any time.

There are more processes than most imagine involved. All my work carries a lifetime guarantee, so while a handmade belt may be a considered investment, it’s a process you only need to go through once in your life.”

As far as future plans for the business, Laurence says it’s about being able to react to exterior forces.

“Several organisations I have had good working relationships with have changed their operation methods and staff, and therefore the craft classes I have taught have had to change gear, find a new venue, find a new niche, evolve in a different direction.”  

“My business plan is to sell my historical and craft expertise to whoever can pay me in the time being, and stay flexible for new challenges.  In the meantime, I accept suitable commissioned and repair work, teach heritage skills, give traditional skill and educational displays at private and public events with organisation such as Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, Alford Craft Market, Heritage  Lincolnshire, and West Lindsey District Council.”

For more information you can visit Laurence’s Facebook page Shedtime Handcrafted Leatherwork.

West Lindsey District Council has teamed up with Savoy Cinemas Limited for the delivery of a hugely transformational town centre regeneration project.

The agreement includes the development of a four-screen cinema complex, restaurant, retail units and car parking provision in Gainsborough town centre. It is the anchor project in the Council’s ‘Thriving Gainsborough 2024’ regeneration programme.

Managing Director of Savoy Cinemas Limited, James Collington, said:

“We are delighted to be part of this exciting regeneration initiative of Gainsborough town centre. The area has undergone significant change over the last few years and it still has huge potential to develop further. We are looking forward to commencing work on the development and welcoming you through our doors on opening night.”

The £9 million development will be funded through contributions from the Council, the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the government’s Levelling Up Fund and Savoy Cinemas.

Director of Planning Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council, Sally Grindrod-Smith, said:

“This has been an incredibly challenging site to bring forward. The Council was required to step in and acquire the land, lead the demolition of the former Lindsey Centre, and secure grant funding to make the scheme viable. This is all part of our enabling role.

“The eagerly anticipated development will significantly contribute to the town’s local economy, increasing footfall, dwell time and spend. It will add to the town’s leisure offer, servicing local residents and encouraging new visitors to the town.”

The development will provide a new walking link between Marshall’s Yard and the historic market place, where further investment from the Levelling Up Fund and National Lottery Townscape Heritage Initiative, is rejuvenating the historic marketplace.

The scheme has also been designed to be environmentally efficient, through the inclusion of solar panels and air sourced heat technology. It will also enhance the setting of the Town Centre Conservation Area, through its historic design and use of high-quality materials.

To keep up to date with all the Levelling-Up projects, follow us @investGainsboro or you can find out more information on our website.

Exciting heritage improvements to five more building in Gainsborough have been approved as part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).

West Lindsey District Council has been working with local building owners and tenants to improve the condition of historic buildings. The aim is to reverse the decline of the town by offering substantial grants towards the costs to renovate the buildings, bringing empty properties back into use and maximising the potential for them to be used today.

As previously reported, the council was awarded £1.25m to repair, restore and regenerate the buildings in Gainsborough as part of the THI. The National Lottery Heritage Fund award for historic building repair grants was later supplemented significantly by a large additional award from the Levelling Up Fund.

Work in the town has been moving apace with a number of projects completed or near completion and a new round of exciting developments are set to get underway.

Buildings that will receive funding include:

• 24 Market Street – the Old Courthouse which stands across the road from the Guildhall will have the sash windows overhauled, alongside repairs to the brickwork, pointing and rainwater goods.
• 37 Lord Street – Café Latte will have work conducted on the windows and brickwork. The largest difference people will notice will be the reinstatement of a traditional shopfront and awnings.
• 1,3,5 Lord Street /2 Ropery Road -Clock House and Salon 5 – and 2 Ropery Road, which shares a roof with 1 Lord Street. It is the repair of this roof that will form the bulk of the work, alongside the replacement of the windows with wooden sash, and the introduction of more traditional entranceways and awnings.
• 25 Lord Street – has already undergone a significant amount of work to introduce three new retail units on the ground floor of the former public house, will see work continuing to the exterior. Work will include the repair to the roof and windows, the removal of cement render and the reinstatement of the stone string course which was discovered to have been carved with the former name of the inn – The Black Bull.

Abigail Buckland, Townscape Heritage Delivery Coordinator at the council explained that the Restoration Grant Panel, will review a further building application.

• 34-36 Market Place, better known as Walter’s Opticians is looking to carry out repair work to the bricks and windows and an adjustment to the shopfront, bringing it closer in design to what it would once have been.

Abigail said:

“The centre of Gainsborough is going to look quite different by this time next year. There are a number of properties with planning permission approved which we hope to see at a grant panel in the not-too-distant future.

“Foremost of these is the Town Hall, the proposed works for which will have a huge impact upon the appearance of the Market Place. Key amongst these changes will be the replacement of the 1950s canopy with a more visually sympathetic glass canopy, giving a wider area of covered space to give shelter from the elements.”

• The former WHSmith’s building on 1 Silver Street will also see a big change. Alongside the replacement the shopfront with a traditional wooden design, three new retail units will be created in the former warehouse section along Curtis Walk, bringing exciting opportunities to an often-overlooked area of the town.

A reinstatement of a traditional shopfront at 5 Silver Street (Lincs IT) will continue the spread of works along this area of the Townscape Heritage area, which will be bookended by similar works at the other end of the street in the former Heron Foods building at 27 Silver Street.

For more information about the scheme please visit the Gainsborough Heritage Led Regeneration website.

A local coffee shop has just recently celebrated its first year of business in Gainsborough.

Spokes Coffee Shop, located on Ropery Road, planned a week of surprises for residents in Gainsborough and surrounding villages to mark its anniversary on 27 October.

Business owner Ali Allsop is placing blue helium balloons with a free gift tag attached to it, giving away a range of items including a free cream tea or a free coffee.

Ali wants to spread the Spokes word as far and wide as she can. She emphasised her delight for what has been achieved so far. She said:

“I’m super proud of what we have done as a team in a year. We have the same staff in here from the very beginning and so it’s been a lovely journey together. I couldn’t do it without the staff and their support. We are like one big family.”

Spokes is known for its warm environment and very warm welcome, opening on Tuesday to Saturday 9:30am until 3pm. They offer customers high quality milkshakes, hot chocolates, soft drinks, bacon and egg sandwiches, cakes and much more! With vegan alternatives and a great lunch too. Ali added:

“My daughter works here on a Saturday, so as a 15-year-old she is getting really good experience. We all hope we can give something back on our special week. We have great customer service, quality food, and not forgetting the friendly staff. Come and celebrate with us!”

Spokes Coffee Shop was also in the top 10 nominations for Best Newcomer of the Year in the Lincolnshire Life Magazine. Ali said:

“We just want to let you know how wonderful you are, and how amazing we are. We should meet!”

For more information, visit Spokes Coffee Shop Facebook.

A new health hub and training academy is set to open in Gainsborough offering a Lincolnshire first, in terms of accredited courses.

The Heal’m Practice which offers both in-clinic and at-home appointments for Podiatry, Chiropody and Sports Massage, is opening a new practice at the Engine Shed in Marshall’s Yard. It will offer students an ITOL (Institute of Training and Occupational Learning) accredited Foot Health Practitioner course.

Business owners Emma and Darren Lambert are excited about expanding their business, which will complement their other locations in Saxilby and Wisbech.

Darren said the first time he and his business partner saw the room in Gainsborough, it filled them with excitement as they saw the potential straight away. He said:

“We live locally and I was born here in Gainsborough, so we know the area very well. Even as a young boy living in the town Marshall’s (or Track Marshall’s) was the focal point of the community. We visit the shopping centre on a regular basis and when we saw the advert to rent out a room we jumped at the chance to see it.”

The Heal’m Practice is excited to offer professional training in professional foot care in their newly launched academy offering level 3 and 4 Diploma’s in Foot Health. Emma said:

“Our plan is to run as a health hub and training academy. Gainsborough and the entire east of the country doesn’t offer our training services. We are predominantly a podiatry company, we cover a huge area, covering the whole of the county to the Cambridge border.

“We offer a wide range of services including: ear syringing, soft tissue laser therapy, custom orthotics, nail surgery, sports massage therapy. And now, we have designed our own training course to train the next generation of foot health practitioners which has been accredited by ITOL. We are now a fully accredited training centre.”

The course includes a two-week placement for students at the new clinic in Marshall’s Yard to gain practical experience. On the two-week practical assessment individuals will learn how to cut nails, scalpel use, patient note writing, diagnosing and treating nail dystrophies. They will have the opportunity to treat real patients that come into the clinic under direct supervision.

Emma and Darren will teach students everything they will need to know to work as a Foot Health Practitioner, including how to set up your own business, with ongoing support. They say they believe in making the course thorough and enjoyable to help students have the confidence to make their new career a success. Emma added:

“The location of Marshall’s Yard is perfect for us. It has everything we need to run a successful Podiatry / Chiropody business and training academy. We will be advertising the courses nationally pulling in students from all over the country. Our aim is to be the premier training academy in the country.”

Jodie Pacey, Centre Manager at Marshall’s Yard said:

“It’s fantastic to welcome another business to the Yard offering a great health care service to the local community. The Engine House at Marshall’s Yard offers striking, high-quality office space and we’re proud for report that with Heal’m Practice now part of the line-up, office space in this building is now fully occupied.”

Further information on Heal’m Practice is available here.

West Lindsey District Council is also offering 121 business support enabled by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. his support is fully funded and purposely flexible, to ensure it is bespoke to you and your business and will be tailored to address the challenges and opportunities you present.

Simply contact Clare for an initial exploratory chat either by email to [email protected] or by calling Clare on 07462 218000

Crafts ‘n’ Coffee, who were previously located on Curtis Walk, have moved to a brand-new premises as they look forward to a bigger and brighter future.

Owners Ann Walker and Darren Parr started the business in April 2021, offering craft workshops and courses in a small shop. It became obvious that more room was needed so a move was necessary.

There is now space for more course materials and tools, alongside a new large screen monitor to show people at the far end of the workshop what is being demonstrated.

Ann commented on how quickly she fell in love with the new premises. She said:

“We went along for a look and fell in love with a room that we thought would be perfect for us. A few days later we’d signed up and were moving our masses of stuff in from the 28 August.

“In the middle of the move we also did a five-day show down at Sandringham! But we’re in now and the space is ideal. I can now take over 8 students in a much bigger room.”

Looking forward to the future, Ann has scheduled in lots of new workshops and courses over the coming months. She said:

“We have a whole week of Halloween workshops for the kids over half-term. The adult workshops include the firm favourites like fused glass, stained glass, bookbinding, wire jewellery making and no-sew ornaments.

“I’m also planning more completely new workshops which we didn’t have space for before. Such as, a workshop for those who have had a sewing machine for years but not even taken the lid off!”

Crafts ‘n’ Coffee are also planning a get-together for people to bring their own projects along to either get help with them or to just enjoy the company of other like-minded people.

For more information, you can visit Crafts ‘n’ Coffee website or contact them via Facebook messenger.

5-7 Market Place in Gainsborough has acquired a new owner after much needed regeneration thanks to West Lindsey District Council’s Townscape Heritage Scheme.

The Townscape Heritage grants are financed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Levelling Up Fund.

The store officially opened Saturday 1 July 2023 and owner Moji Sanni, aged 57, knew this was the place for her when she first laid her eyes on it. She said:

“This was the only property that I was attracted to, the other properties were not what I was looking for. I knew this place was for me and that I was destined to be here. I wanted this place to be traditional.

“I’ve just moved across the river, and I was so happy when I saw this advertisement. This is the kind of property I wanted to be in. Everyone has been saying this is what they needed and it’s been really busy.”

Moji has been in the haberdashery industry for 25 years and has had stores in Market Harborough, Kettering, Corby, Stamford and Oakham; so, she is trying to condense her five stores into one.

Her aim for the store is for it to be a one stop shop for picking up patterns, fabric, thread, buttons or zips as needed. She added:

“I will eventually be offering lessons such as sewing classes, making fascinators, bags, dresses and much more. We are still in the early stages, but we are concentrated on getting it all up and then we will be good to go. I may be new to Gainsborough but I’m not new to fabric.”

Councillor Jeanette McGhee expressed her congratulations to the new owner and how important it is to the regeneration of the Market Place. She said:

“It’s incredibly exciting to see all the hard work that’s gone into making 5-7 Market Place beautiful. It’s important that we are restoring the heritage of our town centre that we know our community is incredibly proud of. The shop looks amazing, and we are hoping it attracts more people to the Market Place.

“I am also excited to see that the shop will be offering classes as well, as these types of group activities are so important for creating a happy social space for people to enjoy a shared purpose and acquire new skills. We would like to wish Moji the best of luck on her venture with The Fabric Place.”

Jonathan Lee, Townscape Heritage Officer at West Lindsey District Council, is delighted at the takeover of The Fabric Place. He said:

“The Townscape Heritage grants have enabled reinstatement of architectural features such as the traditional wooden shopfront and hand-painted sign, plus repair of brickwork, replacement of damaging cement mortar with lime mortar pointing, replacement of cement damaged stonework, as well as overhauling original wooden sash windows.

“The heritage led regeneration works demonstrate that use of high quality traditional materials results in a far more distinctive and classy look than shopfronts that have used cheap, modern materials such as plastic and metal. We wish Moji every success.”