Plans have been approved for the first phase of a major project in a Lincolnshire town which aims to revitalise the area. The Rosegarth Square regeneration project was awarded £14.8 million in government funding in 2023.
The project aims to provide a new multi-functional public realm space in Boston and revitalise the area between the River Witham and the bus station, just over the bridge from Market Place. Boston Borough Council says the project will provide a ‘gateway to the heart of Boston’.
The first phase, which was approved by a planning committee on November 5, will include relocated and new artwork, external social spaces, a new entrance/drop-off area for the Len Medlock Centre, as well as a sensory garden and an amphitheatre-style seating area.
During the planning committee meeting, Louis Ashford from Ares Landscape Architects, the agent and designer behind the application, insisted that the new public realm act as a “catalyst for any future development”. He said: “As you enter the new public realm, you are greeted with the new artwork. It’s intended that this will be the new meeting place, a gateway, a node into the town centre.”
The main art installation featured in the plan is known as ‘The Wave’, which is set to be located in the heart of Rosegarth Square. Inspired by Boston’s maritime and trade heritage, it is hoped that the proposed sculpture will serve as a landmark.
(Image: Boston Borough Council)
Mr Ashford highlighted that the area to the east of Crown House presents an opportunity for event space, which could host pop-up markets and other gatherings. He then explained that the plan will occupy part of the former B&M building site, which is set for demolition.
To support this scheme, the land will be treated and new pathways, along with soft landscaping, will be introduced. Councillor Alison Austin criticised the plan, arguing it had some “awfully big holes in it”, as there was no information on what would happen to the rest of the site.
“It’s almost too incomplete of an application for me to be confident with it, but I like the principle,” she said.
Planning officers clarified that further plans for the former B&M store, which was recently damaged by a fire, will be detailed in a separate application at a later date. Councillor Helen Stapes added: “To my mind, this is going to be rather beautiful, but it’s going to be let down by the existing areas.”
(Image: Lincolnshire Live)
The scheme garnered support from the majority of members including Councillor Peter Bedford who acknowledged there were no planning grounds for the committee to refuse the application. Work on the regeneration project is expected to begin on-site in early 2025, with a target completion by February the following year, pending final approvals.
Councillor David Middleton, chair of the planning committee at Boston Borough Council, said: “The approval of the Rosegarth Square regeneration project marks a significant step forward for our community. This new public realm will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our town but also provide a vibrant, multi-functional space for entertainment and specialist markets, one-off events and much more for residents and visitors alike.
“It’s a testament to the council’s commitment to enhance the surrounding area for future investment and foster a sense of pride and belonging among our community.”
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