Projects Supported

Free car parking - December 2008

Grantham Future added an entire free car parking day to South Kesteven District Council’s car park promotion. All Grantham SKDC car parks were free all day on Saturday 20th December.

The aim was to encourage shoppers to Grantham for their last weekend shop before Christmas. Grantham Future initially launched free Christmas car parking last year and wished to contribute once more during the current difficult trading environment.

South West Lincolnshire Visitor Guide – December 2008

Grantham Future have, for a number of years, provided support to the South West Lincolnshire Visitor Guide; Tourist Information and Accomodation in the Heritage Vales brochure, which is produced by the Cultural Services section of South Kesteven District Council. The guides are designed to promote the local area throughout the country including through Tourist Information Centres, libraries, motorway services, key attraction and leisure centres.

Project Pretty – December 2008

Grantham Future is pleased to support this local scheme. Increased floral hanging baskets should be visible throughout the town centre in summer 2009 which will provide a better backdrop for all our local business. Also, empty units within the town centre are being addressed through use of ‘shop wraps’ to create a more attractive environment for visitors, and also to attract prospective tenants.

Grantham Christmas Market - November 2007 and 2008

The Christmas Market is organised by The Grantham Events Group. For more information on this group, or to join please contact Richard Coppin on
01476 400094.

An annual Christmas extravaganza in the town centre organised by the Grantham Events Group. The event attracts a huge amount of visitors as a celebration to mark the festive season. Attractions include: markets, street entertainment, a funfair, shopping, carol singing, a parade and turning on the Christmas lights. Local community involvement is encouraged through displays, food and school interpretations of Christmas. Essentially, the masses of people contribute to an energised town centre providing opportunities for all the local businesses.

Grantham Town Centre Report – December 2008

This document is the second to be produced for Grantham. It assesses key performance indicators for the town so annual and competitor analysis can be made. The ‘health’ over time of Grantham town centre can be determined and the weaknesses can be addressed. Grantham Future funded some consultancy fees which contributed to part of the report.

Independents Day – July 2008

Grantham Future joined forces with the George shopping centre and the Grantham Journal in a scheme designed to raise the profile of the many independent retailers in the town centre with the aim of encouraging support of these businesses. Grantham Future funded and distributed free rosettes to signify the independent status of all 90 participating stores.

St George’s Day - April 2008

This new event was launched by the Grantham Events Group with funding provided by Grantham Future. The new event was in response to the local business community feedback on events such as the Christmas Market being successful in attracting visitors to the town centre. Markets, street entertainment and school plays made the day a huge success with plans already in place for 2009’s event (Sunday 26th April 2009).

Wyndham Park Easter Egg hunt – March 2008 and 2009

Grantham Future also supports smaller community events such as the Wyndham Park Easter Egg Hunt. Utilizing our public green space should be encouraged and attracting families to the beautiful park through initiatives such as an Easter Egg Hunt is a fun way to do this!

Grantham – Live, Shop, Grow - October 2007

The Grantham Town Centre Issues and Options Document - August 2007

Grantham Future were a pivotal group in commissioning this document. This is a key strategic planning document which will shape the development of Grantham over the next decade.

The overall aim is to establish a clear direction and strategy for Grantham which allows the town to flourish as a successful sub regional centre.

As a result, the document provides a broad strategic focus for a number of town centre projects designed to improve the town. This ultimately provides the basis for a realistic Action Plan to deliver the improvements required for Grantham to be a better town to live, visit and work in.

Grantham On Water – National Trail boat Festival - May 2007

Grantham Future was a proud sponsor of this event which is associated with the Grantham Canal Partnership. The restoration of the canal is important to Grantham’s heritage, environment and economy.

Aims of the event were as follows:

• Raise awareness of the ‘forgotten’ Grantham Canal – with the East Midlands public as well as the waterway fraternity
• Celebrate the recent restoration of 4½ miles of canal to navigation
• To encourage the re-opening of a further 5 miles, through to Redmile

Grantham Town Centre Manager - April 2007

Grantham Future recognised the need for a town centre manager to accompany the town centre partnership team. Lia Ibbotson has been in post since March 2007. Key functions of the role include:

• Rolling forward the Grantham Town Centre Issues and Development Options 2007 document
• Acting as a liaison role between Grantham Future and other groups
• Securing funding
• Instigating town centre initiatives

Belton Horse Trials - 2006

Grantham Future is a sponsor of this world class event which attracts top riders. Riders compete in three categories - showjumping, cross-country and dressage. Grantham Future created the ‘Grantham Cup’ which is a premier award to the top rider at the event.

The event is a major weekend in the equestrian calendar and attracts a great number of people to Grantham.