The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles MP, has given the go-ahead to demolish the Old Guildhall in Gainsborough. The decision will save taxpayers up to £60,000 a year in business rates and maintenance.

West Lindsey District Council is using its own assets to lead the way for a regeneration scheme in the Lord Street area of Gainsborough, in order to increase foot traffic in that part of the town centre.

The demolition of the abandoned Guildhall will pave the way for new developments planned for the area of the town known as Elswitha Quarter. Phase one will entail demolition, landscaping of the area including Whittons Gardens. This will also include a new hotel and restaurant which will act as a catalyst for leisure and cinema developments on the Old Guildhall site.

Conservative Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Burt Keimach said:

“Following negotiations the Government and English Heritage consent has now been granted for West Lindsey District Council to demolish the former Guildhall in Gainsborough. This will pave the way for the development of the area for leisure uses in line with the Council’s plans for the area and save the Council between £50k -£60k in business rates. This is a wonderful opportunity to further develop Gainsborough and add to the attractions in the town.”

The Council agreed in principle to a mixed-use regeneration package in the town, which could see a hotel, cinema, restaurant and shops built near the riverside. The council will undertake a consultation exercise to get people involved in how the public realm in this area can be planned to make it more useable and to ensure that its quality is improved.