Agenda item

This report provides an update on the progress of the High Street Heritage Action Zone shopfront regeneration programme, aimed at helping unlock the heritage potential of the town and assist in economic recovery within Grantham Town Centre. 

The Leader of the Council presented the report which provided an update on the progress of the Grantham High Street Heritage Action Zone Programme.

The majority of the programme budget in 2023 was for the completion of the Capital Grants Programme supporting shopfront regeneration works and the Westgate Hall regeneration project.

9 shopfront regeneration were scheduled for completion by the end of the programme. Out of the 9 projects, 3 had been completed and 4 were currently under delivery. Project officers had met with contractors for the two remaining shopfronts, which were expected to begin before 2024.

The Westgate Hall regeneration project was progressing well, however, there had been some slight delays in the initial delivery schedule as a result of a need to discharge a number of planning conditions relating to roof treatments before the materials could be ordered. This had since been resolved and the installation of roof lights, completed. The grant aided works to Westgate Hall were anticipated to be completed by December 2023.

Delivery of the restoration of 71 High Street, Grantham remained significantly behind schedule and Officers were working closely with property owners to bring the project to a resolution. This delay may result in increased total project costs; however, the grant of value would not be increased, with any additional costs being met by the property owner.

A draft Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan had been completed by Heritage Trust Lincolnshire. It was undergoing the initial review by the Planning Team to ensure the recommendations were in line with approved Council policy documents.

The ‘Grantham’s Hidden History’ trail had been completed and launched on the free Trail-Tale App in June 2023. It had already received positive feedback from users, along with press coverage, including featuring on BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

The Leader of the Council informed the Committee of the cultural programme.

One Member queried whether there would be continued engagement with the dramatic society. In response it was confirmed, the programme was to ensure Grantham’s culture thrived to stimulate the visitor economy.

The High Street Heritage Action Zone Project Manager clarified the intention was for the organisations the Council was working alongside, to deliver elements of work beyond the end of the programme.

One Member requested figures for the ‘Trail-Tale App’ and whether the app was still promoted.

The last update received was from a few months ago, where there were 170 unique users of Grantham’s Hidden History. The Council were continuing to promote the programme beyond the scope of the scheme. The potential future of developing trails on the same platform for other towns would be explored.

The Committee thanked Officers for their work on the ongoing project.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED:

That the Culture and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

1. Reviews and endorses the report first presented to both the Finance and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 19 September 2023 and Rural and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 11 October 2023.

2. Agrees to receive a report on the closure of the programme in six months.

3. Is invited to share any comments they may have on this report with the programme board.