Projects take shape in ‘exciting’ year for Bourne
Richard Wyles of South Kesteven District Council checks the plans in the main offices area of the Corn Exchange
It’s gearing up to be an exciting year for Bourne as two long-awaited major projects approach completion.
The refurbishment of Bourne Corn Exchange is in its final stages and will be finished by March, while the redevelopment of Wherry’s Lane is taking shape and should be finished by the summer.
Bourne Corn Exchange will be the new home of the town, district and county councils, as well as the library, CAB and register office after the £600,000 project is officially opened on March 6.
It will be known as the Bourne Community Access Point.
When completed the building will extend the range of services on offer in Bourne and provide longer opening hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays together and Saturday mornings.
South Kesteven District Council’s head of finance Richard Wyles, who is leading the project, said: “The project is the first of its kind in Lincolnshire and has developed an innovative partnership model that can be developed for other towns.
“The project is more about preserving services for the town, making sure things like the library and register office remain in Bourne by cutting the cost by sharing facilities.
“All the partners have invested in the project which will be offset by savings in annual running costs.”
About 40 staff from South Kesteven District Council, most of whom are currently based in Grantham, and Bourne Town Council will move into offices created on the first floor next month as the development is running ahead of schedule.
Meanwhile the £2.14m project in Wherry’s Lane is on track to be finished in the summer.
The site has been cleared and foundations are soon to be laid.
The work includes the refurbishment of the historic Wherry’s Mill and the creation of shops and flats. Another area of land will be left ready for future development.
Council leader Linda Neal (Con) said: “It is surprising how big the site looks now that it has been cleared and it is exciting to think that after years of planning and preparation building will be complete in just a few short months.
“I am certain it will look fantastic once it is finished and be a great asset to this part of Bourne.”
The project began as a £27m revamp of land between North Street, West Street and Burghley Street but was scaled back because of the recession and falling land values.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Bourne
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
