Grantham for Growth
Grantham received a major boost late last year when it was confirmed as a New Growth Point area with the potential to deliver new homes and many more jobs over the next ten years.
Partners South Kesteven District Council and Lincolnshire County Council set about developing a strong vision for the town which they felt would represent a true step-change and transform it into a better place to live, visit and invest.
Their aim - to build upon Grantham’s principal assets namely its location, excellent transport links, environment and its people. On July 31 2007 a draft bid for funding up to £55 million was submitted to Government under the Growth Point initiative for ambitious plans which will unlock its potential as a key East Midlands town.
A board will now be set up along with related project groups and community consultation mechanisms to develop the bid. The final version must be completed by October 1.
Not only will Growth Point status allow major housing expansion and the chance to enhance the town centre, but will allow the population to expand from 38,000 in 15,000 households to 50,000 in 21,000 households.
This will be delivered together with significant local infrastructure improvements including more shopping facilities, better roads, local transport, new green linkages and public realm projects.
Linda Neal, Leader of South Kesteven District Council, said: “We are delighted that Grantham’s potential has been recognised at national and regional level. The support afforded by the town’s status as a New Growth Point will play an important role in delivering this transformation and securing its long term success.” “So far the provisional Growth Point status has released funding for a water cycle study.”
Key development opportunities
Southern quadrant
- An urban extension to the south of Grantham offering mixed use residential and employment development with integrated community and educational facilities. Likely to provide up to 4,000 new homes alongside a new employment area, the Southern Link Road, new local schools, open space and community facilities.
North West quadrant
An extension site to the north of the town (Poplar Farm) offering the potential to provide approximately 1,500 dwellings plus some additional employment, education and community facilities. The development will be dependent on the construction of the Pennine Way link and the Southern Link Road.
Town Centre
- The town centre presents a fragmented offer, punches below its weight, and is in need of improvement. It is the subject of a detailed masterplan which sets out the most appropriate uses. Regeneration is planned to provide mix-use development including retail, leisure, office, public realm, transport, education and destination. Significant improvements to Grantham train station and services are also planned.
Canal Basin
- A new high quality residential and business district will be created by the redevelopment of the Canal Basin, supported by a range of retail, leisure and visitor facilities. It will play a key role in creating a new office quarter, diversifying the town’s residential offer and establishing a high quality visitor destination. The opportunity exists to improve housing provision on the adjacent Earlesfield Estate to higher standards of design and sustainability.
Urban capacity
- A variety of brownfield sites across Grantham have been identified for housing development. A total of 24 sites have the potential to deliver in excess of 1,000 dwellings.