Multimillion-pound revamp starts in town centre

Harry Parkhill/ BBC A photo of Lindum Constructions site manager Conrad Cousins. He is wearing a Lindum branded yellow hi-vis jacket and a black hard hat. He is stood in front of the B&M store that is due to be demolished. Harry Parkhill/ BBC
Lindum Constructions site manager Conrad Cousins is running the Rosegarth Square project

A multimillion-pound project to redevelop a derelict site in Boston has started.

Boston Borough Council was given £14.8m of the government's Levelling Up funding in January 2023 to regenerate the town centre.

The first phase of the work on the Rosegarth Square scheme includes installing hoardings around the site to allow for the demolition of two buildings.

Council leader Anne Dorrian said: "It's a massive deal for the people of Boston. We've been waiting for it for a long time and I'm really pleased that we've moved it along at a pace now."

When complete, the area between the River Witham and the bus station, will feature a public park as well as art, housing and retail spaces.

Putting the hoardings up will ensure public safety while access to roads and footpaths remain open during the renovation, according to a council spokesperson.

Boston Borough Council An artist impression of a manicured landscape with big trees, whitewashed paths, a curved bridge and cylindrical sculptures.Boston Borough Council
How Rosegarth Square is expected to look following the multimillion-pound revamp

The second stage of work, scheduled between January and April, will involve demolishing the old B&M store and Crown House, a former job centre.

Conrad Cousins, Lindum Constructions site manager, said: "It's going to be massive to the area. A new look and a nice area for people to sit around and visit."

The project is set to take a up to a year and a half to complete, Mr Cousins added.

Harry Parkhill/ BBC A head and shoulders shot of Council leader Anne Dorrian. She is wearing a black top and a purple blazer. She has blonde long hair and is smiling at the camera. Harry Parkhill/ BBC
Council leader Anne Dorrian said the project is a "massive deal" for Boston

Dorrian said: "We are committed to creating a space that the entire community can take pride in and this first phase is an important step towards that vision.

"It should look beautiful and the people of Boston deserve something really beautiful in the town centre."

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