Council's commitment to Boston Town Centre
The council remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the prosperity of Boston town centre, working tirelessly to achieve this goal. While the current administration inherited the projects mentioned in a recent article by the BBC, it is crucial to understand that the government investment came with strict criteria. Failing to adhere to these criteria would result in returning the funds, which we aim to avoid.
Our dedication to the town centre is evident through our actions. We promised to deliver a Town Centre Strategy within six months of taking office, and we not only met this promise but also hold monthly meetings to ensure targets are met and new actions are continuously implemented. The council has successfully organised several events that have attracted thousands of visitors to the town centre, and we plan to build on these successes. Additionally, we have established the Town Centre Forum, inviting retailers to collaborate with us regularly to achieve common goals rather than criticise our beautiful town.
Cllr Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to dispel some myths. The council does not own the shops in the town centre nor set the business rates. All town centre buildings are owned by private landlords or pension funds, who set the rents. Business rates are determined by the government, not the council. While some landlords may offer free rental periods, this is beyond the council's influence."
Addressing Town Centre vacancies
The presence of empty shops is a common issue in many towns, exacerbated by post-Covid changes in town centre habits. The pandemic significantly increased vacancy rates nationwide. Our summer consultation revealed that shopping is important to Boston residents, with two in five respondents desiring a better shopping experience in the next decade. There is ample opportunity for investment and improvement to enhance the town centre experience for everyone.
Celebrating Boston's strengths
Boston has much to be proud of and enjoy. Our Town Board public consultation highlighted that Boston's rich history is a key attraction. 324 people participated in our consultation, expressing appreciation for the town's buildings, especially Boston Stump, the market place, parks, green spaces, and the river. The Council and Boston Town Board are committed to supporting town centre businesses through various initiatives, including providing funded support and access to grants via the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics, which supports the agri-food sector, a cornerstone of the local economy contributing £1.5 billion annually. The Healing the High Street Project aims to repurpose empty buildings and preserve the town's appeal.
Encouraging visits to Boston
Our consultation showed that 83% of respondents want a better mix of shops and leisure facilities. Boston town centre boasts a 10% higher than average number of leisure, food, and entertainment outlets, offering diverse reasons to visit. Boston's heritage is a significant asset, recognised by Historic England for its extraordinary heritage. Historic venues, including the iconic Boston Stump and its refurbished library, attract global interest.
Positive impact of Government funding
In 2022, Boston welcomed 1.3 million visitors, up from 1.09 million the previous year, contributing nearly £46 million to the local economy. Boston was awarded £21.9 million in Town Deal funding, with an additional £14.5 million in match funding, totalling £36.4 million for Town Deal projects. Significant projects include the revitalisation of Blenkin Memorial Hall, the refurbishment of St Botolph's library, bringing this major heritage asset into use for the public. In addition, over 80 business are enrolled in the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics, accessing funded support and grant funding; the construction of The Mayflower learning space is underway, improvements to town centre buildings and Dolphin Lane and Boston Railway Station are underway, and the transformation of The Geoff Moulder Centre is set to be delivered. Together these projects are bringing significant improvements to the town.
Future Developments
The Rosegarth Square Regeneration Programme, supported by £14.8 million in government funding, will create a new public park and enhance the area between the river and the Len Medlock Centre. Plans to convert Crown House and demolish the existing B&M building will improve the area's appearance and address local challenges such as anti-social behaviour and crime.
The council remains dedicated to ensuring Boston town centre continues to thrive and offers a vibrant, enjoyable environment for residents and visitors alike.
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