Gelder plans to invest in future

The Gelder Group is seeking consent from West Lindsey District Council to restore the Fanny Marshall Memorial Institute on the corner of Church Street and Acland Street, to its former glory.

The former warehouse would be brought back into use as a medical centre, pharmacy and community hall.

And The Half Moon pub in Heaton Street, which has been closed for four years, would be demolished to make way for a modern block of flats, with shops and offices at street level.

Gelder will invest a total of £2.25 million in the projects, which have the potential to create 40 long term jobs, plus around 60 during construction.

“We are really excited about these plans and we hope the council, as well as local people will be too,” said Matthew Carter, design manager at The Gelder Group.

“If approved, we hope both projects will set a precedent for future development in Gainsborough.”

The Fanny Marshall Institute was built in 1896 and gifted by James Marshall to the town, it provided community facilities and a free gym for the people in the town.

The building was used as offices in the 1970s and later as a furniture warehouse. But since becoming empty it has fallen into disrepair.

“It is an iconic building in Gainsborough, so retention of the structure and original features was a must,” said Mr Carter.

Keith Rodgers, from architects Guy Taylor Associates, added: “The building will once again support the health of the local community and provide a valuable community space for the local school and community groups, as well as health classes - all in the spirit of James Marshall’s original gift to the town.”

Mr Carter said Gelder recognised potential for growth in the town, with the population set to rise dramatically over the next 20 years.

“As local people we know the need for more medical facilities in Gainsborough, and our managing director Steve Gelder was keen to improve that.”

The £1 million proposals feature a community hall and pharmacy at ground floor level, and a health centre on the first and second floors, incorporating a mix of consulting rooms, treatment rooms and counselling rooms, and staff facilities.

Across town in Heaton Street, the old Half Moon pub currently cuts a sad figure. It was built in 1832 but has been empty since 2008.

An extensive marketing campaign has failed to attract new owners to bring if back to life. And it has been a target for burglars and vandals.

But if Gelder’s plans are approved, the historic boozer could be bulldozed to make way for a modern mixed use development, into which The Gelder Group would plough £1.25 million.

Designs by id Architecture Ltd show street level commercial units for office or retail use, and 12 one and two bed flats on the first and second floors.

Mr Carter said: “New housing developments in town centres can stimulate urban renaissance by encouraging night time economy. The proposal is ideally located for this.”

“This development will help ensure Gainsborough town centre maintains a vibrant, sustainable, and prosperous community and will continue to be a focus for investment in the future.”