Lindum starts work on affordable housing project in Grantham

Lindum Swinegate Housing Grantham Aerial shot of site

05/02/2024

Work has begun on site marking the start of a new project for South Kesteven District Council to provide 20 inclusive, sustainable and affordable homes.

The new properties will be a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments for rent. They will be partially built on derelict brownfield land in the heart of Grantham, enabling South Kesteven District Council to regenerate the area and provide much-needed housing. This use of existing land maximises efficiency and keeps costs down, and reduces the project's carbon footprint.

High quality affordable housing is needed in towns throughout the district and across the country, which is what prompted the development. Accelerated through the SCAPE Regional Construction framework, the project will be delivered by Lindum Group and local supply chain partners.

The development sits at the northern end of Swinegate, next to Watergate carpark and close to Brook Street. Residential properties are located to the north and east, with a mixture of commercial and residential buildings to the south and west.

Work beginning on site follows wide public consultation including with Lincolnshire County Council Highways, heritage and conservation organisations, St Wulfram’s Church and the wider public through drop-in sessions in the town. These provide regular touch-points, making sure residents have the opportunity to provide input, and are part of the journey.

Lindum Swinegate Housing Grantham Turf cutting — Picture: Breaking the ground at the Swinegate development in Grantham. Pictured L-R: Matthew Jones (Group Framework Manager, Lindum), Steve Angus (Commercial Director, Lindum), Richard Wyles (Chief Finance Officer, South Kesteven District Council), Cllr Phil Dilks (Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning), Cllr Matthew Bailey (Ward Member), Suniel Pillai (New Build Project Officer, South Kesteven District Council), John Ginnelly (Contract Manager for the development), Owen Cheshire (Framework Manager, SCAPE).

Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Phil Dilks, said: “Developing apartments such as these, in line with local demand, helps free up larger properties within South Kesteven District Council’s stock to ensure more residents have a home that suits their needs."

The houses that we build, as well as those we award planning consent for, should be healthy, good quality, sustainable, and secure; giving an environment in which people can thrive and achieve.

Cllr Phil Dilks

Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, South Kesteven District Council

"At the heart of our housing strategy is the belief that homes are a fundamental part of everyone’s lives. Good housing is a key theme which runs alongside our work to create and enhance vibrant, attractive towns and villages where people want to come to live and work. We believe that this exciting proposal will regenerate and enhance the look of this area," he concluded.

How heritage shaped the design of Swinegate's new homes

The new properties have been designed to be inclusive, energy efficient, sustainable, and affordable. Whilst they will be modern in style, they will reflect and complement the Georgian character of Swinegate, with stepped roof lines and a mixture of wide and narrow frontages.

The development is stepped away from neighbouring properties at the rear to minimise overlooking, a feature which allows the buildings to centre around a communal entrance courtyard - adding a more sociable, community feel for residents and visitors.

Other features that will mirror the area's heritage include prominent lintels above windows, Dorma windows and archways.

Darren King, Lindum Managing Director, said: “It is fantastic news that work has started on these new apartments, helping to ease local demand and support local people in providing an affordable place to live.

It is important that the new apartments serve the purpose of easing the housing demand, but they also have to fit in with the historic aesthetic of Grantham and benefit the local people and have positive impact on what is a busy and popular area of the town."

Work was procured through SCAPE’s Regional Construction framework, which allowed us to engage with the local people and businesses surrounding the project early, keeping them well-informed of the planned works and how it may affect them.

Darren King

Managing Director, Lindum

"Affordable living is one of the biggest issues we are facing today and so it is vital we do our bit to help support our local communities and provide quality homes that suit a diverse range of needs.” he continued.

We are delighted that this important project to provide high-quality, affordable homes is being accelerated through SCAPE. Using our framework will enable South Kesteven District Council to meet increasing demand quickly and efficiently, whilst generating enhanced social value through Lindum and opportunities for local businesses. Building these new homes on brownfield land minimises the cost and carbon involved in the development, ensuring value for money and sustainability remain at the forefront of delivery.”

Mark Robinson

SCAPE Group Chief Executive