East Lindsey District Council say they are excited to be backed by partners to submit a bid to drive investment in areas that have previously been left behind.
The bid, which is expected to be up to £10million, would be made as part of the second round of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which is designed to secure capital investment in infrastructure that has the potential to improve lives and give people pride in their communities. The fund being one component of the Government ‘Levelling Up’ ambition.
The bid will feature the regeneration of Alford through a series of investments in its heritage infrastructure, creating a new millwright visitor experience and enhancing the destination assets of the Manor House, the asset transfer and restoration of Alford Windmill and its visitor café and holiday accommodation.
Spilsby Sessions House would be supported to bring the building back into use as a theatre. The listed building also has a significant place in history, for its past use as a jail, and funding would allow the building’s old police cells to be opened to the public.
Councillor Adam Grist, portfolio holder for market towns and rural economy, said: “We are delighted to be able to submit a bid in round 2 of the Governments Levelling Up. The proposed improvements to the heritage and history in these market towns complement this perfectly, building on the work we’ve undertaken through our Vital and Viable programme to maximise these towns’ strengths and ensure they’ve each got a unique offer.
“I am delighted we are bidding in this round and I would like to thank our teams and all the stakeholders and partners, including Lincolnshire County Council, that are supporting us to submit this bid.”
Victoria Atkins, Member of Parliament for Louth and Horncastle, said: “I am very pleased to be supporting East Lindsey District Council’s bid to the Government’s second round of the Levelling Up Fund. These proposals would have significant cultural and economic benefits for Alford and Spilsby, as well as the wider East Lindsey area. I look forward to working with the Council to see these proposals built upon.”
