The £4.1 million public realm works will be discussed by the county council's Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee on Monday 4 March. 

Cllr Richard Davies, Lincolnshire County Council's executive member for highways, said: "Following on from central government awarding South Kesteven District Council funding from its Future High Streets Fund three years back, the district council has developed a two-phase project that would see major changes carried out to Market Place and Station Approach in Grantham. 

"Our role in the process will be to deliver the project on behalf of the district council, including the preparing the technical designs, forward funding the cost, and appointing and working with a contractor. 

"As part of our standard process for schemes this size that we forward fund, the improvements will first be put to our Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee for discussion in early March before an official decision is taken and a contractor is appointed."

The project, funded by South Kesteven District Council's Grantham Future High Streets Fund, would see up to nine months of major improvements carried out in Grantham's town centre. 

Phase 1 – Market Place 

Market Place public realm improvements, to create an open event space as a focal point for the town, include: 

• Raising the road level from the Conduit Lane pedestrian crossing and along Westgate/Market Place, between the existing raised crossings to link the existing pedestrian areas
• Raising the exit to the short-term parking area
• Adding new stop lines at the traffic signals on Market Place

These works are expected to start mid-April for up to five months. 

Phase 2 – Station Approach (Station Road and A52/A607 junction)

Station Approach improvements will see improvements at the Station Road/A607 junction which will support work by rail company LNER to improve pedestrian access and make the area brighter and more appealing. These include:  

• Improving the pedestrian facilities and resurfacing at Harlaxton Road, Wharf Road, Westgate and Sankt Augustin Way
• Upgrading the existing traffic signals 
• Jet-washing the footpath on the north side of Wharf Road onto the southernmost part of Westgate

These works are expected to start early November for up to four months (subject to change). 

Deputy Council Leader, Cllr Richard Cleaver, the portfolio holder for Property and Public Engagement, said: "Putting the Market Place more at the heart of Grantham will improve accessibility and reduce the impact of traffic to enable this area of the town to begin to once again be a vibrant community focal point in the town.

"Enhancing the space provides a huge opportunity to attract people, both locally and from further afield to spend more time enjoying the town. 

"The new level layout and improved facilities will open up greater possibilities for events and for the Market Place itself to enhance its position as a key community space in the heart of Grantham.

"This will result in a better experience for everyone, by increasing the town's vibrancy through its culture, leisure, retail and events offer. 

"Junction improvements at Station Approach will also give the area a real lift and help ease traffic issues at one of the main entrances to the town.

"It is vital that we optimise the potential of Grantham town centre and maximise the opportunities there. The FHSF bid received tremendous support from businesses and other organisations. We know there is a genuine passion for the future success of the town.

"Grantham has so much going for it: situated on the East Coast Main, the town connects passengers direct to London Kings Cross in just over an hour and Newcastle in two hours, and the final section of the new relief road is currently being built, ready for opening in 2025.

"Investing in our streets, spaces and infrastructure will boost our economy and provide a better quality of life."

The funding for both projects is from a successful bid to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government which was awarded in April 2021. The aim of the Future High Streets Fund is to renew and reshape town centres and high streets in a way that drives growth, improves experience and ensures future sustainability. 

The Grantham Future High Street Fund programme is administered by the South Kesteven District Council's economic development team and is supported by delivery partners, including Lincolnshire County Council.

For more information about the Grantham's Future High Streets Fund, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/majorprojects.