Conservative-led West Lindsey District Council is working closely with existing businesses to support and encourage expansion. Gainsborough has shot up the league tables for comparative towns over the last 5-6 years of Conservative administration at the Guildhall and to a certain extent it is bucking the national trend of market towns. Gainsborough boasts several successful and growing businesses such as Ping and Paragon.
As well as making it attractive for existing companies to stay in the district we have been working hard to attract new businesses. A number of national chain businesses have set up in the area including Browns, which recently celebrated a successful first year trading.
While the good news is welcomed – the challenge is still tough especially in the current economic climate. It is therefore unfortunate that despite the council’s best efforts and that of the Lindum Group, the council’s potential development partner on the Elswitha Quarter, we have not been able to secure a hotel on the development
Conservative Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Jeff Summers said:
“I would like to express my gratitude to Lindum. They have worked hard to attract operators to the area but this has proved more difficult than first anticipated due to the economic climate.
“We are keen to explore future options for the Elswitha Quarter and the surrounding area. The council is going to develop an all party group to establish a way forward which will re-engage key stakeholders in the town. We will continue to attract potential hotel developers to Gainsborough, as one is desperately needed to meet business demand.”
Lindum Group Director, Mr. Paul McSorley, said:
"It was unfortunate we were delayed at a critical time in our negotiations with the hotel operator. The scheme was marginal and the new specification requirements from the operator mean it’s not currently feasible.”
In the meantime, the development plans have enabled the go-ahead to demolish the Old Guildhall, saving tax payers £70,000 a year in business rates. Contractors have started stripping the inside of the building.