Buildings in Boston town centre are benefitting from improvements that will restore them to their former glory as the Healing the High Street scheme gathers pace.
The scheme, which is being delivered by Heritage Lincolnshire, is part of Boston Town Deal and has been made possible by Towns Fund investment.
Over £300k has recently been approved for investment in buildings in the town centre that will transform their appearance and secure their future.
This includes 3-4 Petticoat Lane (The Old Heart Foundation) where improvements to the exterior are underway, with the work part of a larger project that will see this building brought back into use as a commercial property.
Another building that is set to see improvements is 27-29 Wide Bargate (formerly Bembridge Solicitors), a historic property that has sadly been the target of vandalism but will be revitalised with work to repair the roof and windows thanks to the funding provided by the Town Deal..
And, further projects to revitalise numerous historic buildings in the town centre are in the application stage so even more refurbishment work is expected in the coming months as the town centre continues to be improved.
Boston has a rich heritage, as seen in the many historic buildings that can be found within the town centre.
Through the Healing the High Street scheme, we have a fantastic opportunity to make repairs and improvements to a number of these buildings, returning them to their former glory, and helping to retain the character that makes Boston town centre so special.
Katy-Jayne LintottProject Manager (Conservation and Heritage) with Heritage Lincolnshire
The Healing the High Street scheme works by making grants available to building owners for repair or restoration works. The grants are for external works to buildings and can be used for improvements such as replacing shopfronts, reinstating architectural features, repairing traditional windows, redecoration to the outside of buildings, roof work, or new signage.
We have seen fantastic take up of the scheme and the result of this is that Boston will be more attractive and appealing for all of us who come into the town.
If anyone would like to find out more about this exciting opportunity, I would encourage them to get in touch and find out how we can help to restore buildings in the heart of Boston.
Katy-Jayne LintottProject Manager (Conservation and Heritage) with Heritage Lincolnshire
The improvements to individual buildings have been complemented by the rejuvenation of Dolphin Lane, which was carried out in 2023. The work, which was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Lincolnshire County Council, and Boston Town Deal, saw the pedestrian footway replaced with Yorkstone paving, reflecting the historic character of the town centre.
It is great to see the improvements to buildings through the Healing the High Street scheme moving forward, helping to restore some of the town centre’s historic properties.
Not only will these works make a marked difference to the appearance of these buildings and the town centre overall, this regeneration will mean that we can ensure their continued and sustained use.
Together with the significant improvements that have been carried out at Dolphin Lane, we are enhancing the town centre which ultimately will add to Boston Town Centre’s appeal and help to bring people in.
Neil KempsterChair of Boston Town Deal
Anyone who wants to find out more about the Healing the High Street scheme can do so at towndeals@heritagelincolnshire.org or by visiting Boston Town Deal • Heritage Lincolnshire
There is a limited amount of funding still available to help with eligible buildings.
