Grantham wins place on shortlist for international regeneration award

Grantham has been shortlisted as a finalist for the 2023 Urbanism Awards, which recognises the best, most enduring or most improved urban environments.

Judges will visit the town in the next few weeks for a more detailed look at what the town has and to meet South Kesteven District Council’s economic development team along with partnership organisations, political figures and community groups to discuss future plans.

The awards are operated by The Academy of Urbanism, a not-for-profit organisation that brings together urban leaders, thinkers and practitioners. Grantham will be judged against Dún Laoghaire in Ireland and Inverness in Scotland.

Grantham was nominated anonymously by Academy members, after regeneration work instigated by SKDC under the £5.56m Future High Streets initiative and £1.25m Heritage Action Zone projects were recognised.

SKDC Leader Cllr Kelham Cooke said: “This nomination for an international regeneration award, pitching Grantham as England’s flagship town against the best of Scotland and Ireland, is further confirmation that our work to improve and invigorate the town is going in the right direction.

“We know the ambition of Grantham’s businesses and residents – and through our economic development team InvestSK, SKDC will help build on the town’s impressive history to ensure a successful and vibrant future.

“The Urbanism Awards team has identified SKDC’s Future High Streets programme and our work through the Heritage Action Zone scheme, which between them present unique opportunities for progress.

“Town centre improvements will create of a more engaging and attractive backdrop to attract visitors, encourage diverse businesses, residential and leisure opportunities, which in turn lead to greater economic sustainability and resilience going forward.”

SKDC has secured investment for infrastructure to support ongoing and sustainable growth and is preparing to improve the Market Place and transform the access gateway from the railway station into the town, building on LNER’s work at the station itself.

Academy members have visited various locations to assess and celebrate outstanding examples of good urbanism across the UK, and Grantham is shortlisted in the Towns & Small Cities category, with the results being revealed in November.

Further details on the awards can be found at www.theaou.org

This is the second award nomination for South Kesteven District Council’s regeneration work, with the multi-million pound St Martin’s Park development in conjunction with Burghley Estates being shortlisted for the Brownfield Awards 2022 in the Best Public Sector/Not For Profit category.