By Jo Brigham, Chair, Boston Town Board.
The recent media coverage of Boston Town Centre over the weekend was disappointing. Boston Town Board is well aware of the challenges this great town faces and has been taking action, although we recognise that the various priorities, funding, and resources may not always enable change as quickly as you and we would like. Unfortunately a news story broadcast around the county suggesting that “Boston is dying from the inside out” does little to attract people or much needed private investment to the town. But, putting things in to perspective, we are focused on writing our own story.
Like most towns up and down the country, we have empty shops and areas of the town currently look quite faded – but Boston has so much potential that we need to continue to unlock. It has great bones in terms of its history, heritage, architecture, market square, waterfront and communities. Despite the national trend and empty units, we still have a good mix of retail (higher than the national average by population) including some fabulous independents, popular chain stores, and some great cafes and eateries – but we know this is not enough to sustain the town centre now or in to the future … and we know we need to better support them. We must do more to breathe new life and vibrancy in to the town, to provide a broader experience – incorporating retail – and to encourage our communities and visitors into the town.
Your views are critical to the next chapter in Boston’s story. Through the consultation the Town Board undertook over the summer we know what people value and want to see in terms of retail, leisure, events and bringing our heritage to life in a way that is relevant today and for the future. We also know that many want to feel safer, for the town to look tidier and to have a greater pride in place. Irrespective of the statistics, we know that it is the perception and feeling of safety that matters just as much as the numbers and we should all increase our efforts to address both.
The Town Board has overseen some significant central government investment in Boston, within clearly defined parameters set by government. The earlier and smaller scale investments are already starting to show benefit with the larger scale investments delivering over the next year or so. For example, over 80 businesses are enrolled with the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics which is providing funded support and access to grant funding to Boston town businesses operating in the relevant sectors. In addition, the Healing the High Street programme has provided and is offering building owners grants so that they can invest in repairing and restoring historic features to their buildings. The transformational refurbishment of the historically important library at St Botolph’s offers another reason for people to visit Boston. And, Blenkin Memorial Hall has been revitalised as a great community hub through the investment, receiving recognition and awards in the process.
The Greenhouse is one business that has been supported by the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics.
18 Market Place, which has been supported by the Healing the High Street scheme.
St Botolph’s library’s historically important library, offering another reason to visit Boston.
The award-winning Blenkin Memorial Hall, brought back into use for the community.
In addition, thanks to the input from people in Boston, the Council’s Rosegarth Square project will transform a very run-down area of the town to create amenity, facilities and an attractive welcoming gateway to the town centre. These are just some of the ongoing projects that will make a real difference but, yes, more can be done to enhance and support the centre itself.
It is important to understand that the grant funding we have received had to be allocated in line with government requirements, across a range of priorities, including but not limited to the town centre. To sustain a thriving town centre for the long term we need a thriving economy and thriving communities. We will shortly be releasing our annual report to
illustrate the wider progress made over the last 12 months.
The previous government had committed a further £20M over ten years to fund a plan that included taking forward your aspirations for Boston and its town centre. Unfortunately, the funding, that was due to have been unlocked at the beginning of August, was put on hold and is being considered by the current government. Whether that funding is forthcoming or not, the Town Board is committed to working with the Council, government, and partners to drive change and to attract other funding and investment. Our MP, Richard Tice, is also a member of the Town Board and we welcome his support.
We are optimistic about Boston’s future. We must all work together to make a sustainable, transformational, and tangible difference for the town, and to support a brilliant Boston for everyone. It is our story to write.