The Economic Development team worked with delivery partners Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) and Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) to bring forward two major infrastructure improvement programmes, Sleaford rugby club junction and Holdingham roundabout. The five-year journey began in 2016 when North Kesteven District Council (NKDC) started work on the Sleaford Growth Project bid, the Council then applied for funding from the Government Single Local Growth Fund via the GLLEP for the Project in 2017.
Following the Council’s initial ambitious £15m project which originated as a wider town wide bid for Sleaford, two elements were in principle agreed to be funded to a value of £2 million, the Sleaford rugby club junction and Holdingham roundabout, both of which were significant projects and included infrastructure works that were required to unlock the towns potential, ease congestion and improve safety.
From the in-principle agreement the Sleaford Growth Project details were developed and refined; the project gained momentum with GLLEP officially approved funding for the project in December 2019. LCC then came in as a core stakeholder and delivery partner for the project. The funding package was between NKDC, GLLEP, LCC and included developer contributions. Throughout the process several key relationships were formed at operational level, that will no doubt be beneficial for both parties going forward on future work.
The changes made to the rugby club junction in October 2020, include new approach lanes and traffic signals at the A17/A153, the junction now operates with a reduced speed limit and more defined space, which has eased congestion and improved safety. Work completed on the Holdingham roundabout in December 2021, new approach lanes and traffic signals were installed at some of the roundabout’s approaches, resulting in less congestion and increased safety for all road users. The two projects combined equate to £8.25 million, with the additional benefits of improved accessibility and better journey times when traveling in and around Sleaford.
The upgrade of the rugby club junction was essential to allow for full unfettered development of Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park (SMEP) and release the full potential of the 37-acre Strategic Employment Site which will create 500 new jobs for the town, support inward investment and help local businesses to grow. The upgrade and investment in Holdingham roundabout mean we can continue to support opportunities for economic growth and additionally meet the housing growth needs of Sleaford, as the improvements enable the Sleaford West Sustainable Urban Extension to be fully developed with 1,400 new dwellings alongside other housing schemes. The range of homes will meet the needs of people in Sleaford and those wishing to locate to the area. Ultimately the package of infrastructure and other improvements has unlocked the growth potential of Sleaford, ensuring it remains a sustainable and viable key market town in the heart of Lincolnshire.
NKDC were responsible for originating and developing the Sleaford Growth Project. Since completion in December 2021 the Council has received positive feedback on both infrastructure improvements, the monitoring of which is ongoing and NKDC remain the accountable body.
These projects form the first stage of the Councils vision for Sleaford, the additional work outlined in the initial Sleaford Growth Project are still in the pipeline, subject to funding. With the aspiration that whenever the opportunity arises to bid on future funds, NKDC can revisit the town centre scheme and use the findings from the Sleaford Masterplan Refresh to shape future plans with an increased focus on the town centre dynamic.
Sleaford Growth Project
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