Work to start on major revamp of Grantham town centre

The £4.19m scheme will create a multi-use space "in the heart" of Grantham, officials say

Work is about to start on a multi-million pound project to revamp parts of Grantham town centre.

South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) said the £4.19m scheme - funded from the government's Future High Streets Fund - would "reinvigorate the town".

The project will raise the road height of the Market Place to create a single-level open space, able to host regular town centre events.

The work is due to get under way on Tuesday and take 22 weeks to complete.

Some of the money will also be used for upgrading public toilets, the authority said.

The plans were drawn up with input from Grantham residents and businesses, who were asked to list their priorities for the town.

A council spokesperson said: "The Market Place improvement builds on current projects to improve shop fronts to enhance the appeal of the town centre, and SKDC's work to encourage more affordable housing in the town centre through upper-floor conversions.

It will create a multi-use, social space for local people and visitors "in the heart" of Grantham, they added.

Diversions will be in place via High Street / A52 Wharf Road / Sankt Augustin Way / Barrowby Road / A607 / Brownlow Street / Watergate and vice versa

Motorists are being advised of temporary changes to through routes for vehicles for the duration of the works, with road closures in place in Market Place, Narrow Westgate and Conduit Lane.

A diversion will be in place via High Street / A52 Wharf Road / Sankt Augustin Way / Barrowby Road / A607 / Brownlow Street / Watergate and vice versa.

Union Street and Conduit Lane will remain open up to Greyfriars and the taxi rank, officials said.

A second phase will improve the town approach from the railway station to create a pedestrian-focused environment, with work expected to start in November.

Follow BBC Lincolnshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]