£2.9m LEP funds for Lincoln construction firm’s project

Lincoln-based company Lindum Group have received the first batch of funding in an infrastructure loan scheme run by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise (LEP).

£2.9 million from LEP’s £9 million Invest and Grow Fund has been loaned to Lindum for its multi-million pound Golf Road project in Mablethorpe, which will create 530 jobs and bring a £6.5 million private sector investment.

The development represents a major investment to the county town and will include 180 new homes, a restaurant, a care home and a Tesco supermarket at the 30-acre site.

The loan fund, which is part of the national £500 million Growing Places Fund, aims to help drive forward the economy by offering loans to cover infrastructure costs for large projects.

These could be developing an existing building complex, bringing a redundant building into economic use or creating new infrastructure routes to open up land for further economic development such as housing or employment.

The Mablethorpe project is scheduled to last four years, with the housing estimated to take two years to complete and Tesco beginning its building works this time next year.

Over time, the money borrowed through the Invest and Grow scheme is paid back to the Greater Lincolnshire LEP so it can make further investments to support economic growth.

The construction project is scheduled to last 4 years, with the housing estimated to take two years to complete and Tesco beginning its building works in August 2014.

The scheme is open to all businesses and organisations in the Greater Lincolnshire area, which includes Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North-East Lincolnshire.

Paul McSorley, Lindum Board Director leading the project, said: “There is a huge investment in infrastructure required to release the various elements of the scheme.

“We are extremely grateful to our local LEP for their assistance in funding this work and helping facilitate long term growth and employment in the area.”

Ursula Lidbetter MBE, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “We are thrilled to award the first loan of £2.9 million to Lindum Group for their development in the Mablethorpe area.

“We will see new jobs created, cash injections to local businesses and an improvement to the Lincolnshire’s housing stock.

“This fund represents an opportunity for businesses and organisations to move forward with projects which otherwise might continue to remain stalled.

“It is about helping businesses to realise ambitions, grow the local economy and create job opportunities.”

The Invest and Grow Loan fund is currently open for expressions of interest, and the LEP is encouraging developers and businesses to come forward to discuss their growth plans.

More information about the Invest and Grow Fund, the application process and contact details can be found at LEP website.