James Turner

In a move shrouded in secrecy and financial missteps, South Kesteven District Council’s ambitious redevelopment project in Stamford has hit a snag, overshooting its land acquisition budget by a staggering £1.8 million more than the market value.

This costly blunder, part of the St Martin’s Park Redevelopment, has left local officials tight-lipped, offering scant details on how they plan to mitigate the “detrimental financial impact” of their overzealous spending.

Amidst a backdrop of commercial sensitivity, the council’s silence speaks volumes, raising questions about the decision-making processes that led to paying £8 million for land valued at just £6.2 million.

Local officials have kept details under wraps regarding their strategy to counter any “detrimental financial impact” stemming from the St Martin’s Park Redevelopment project in Stamford, attributing their discretion to commercial sensitivity.

In March 2019, in response to the shutdown of the former Cumming’s Factory, a decision that jeopardised 500 jobs, the council purchased the 14.7-hectare site on Barnack Road for £8 million. However, it has since been revealed that the property was actually valued at only £6.2 million.

On the site, SKDC planned to develop a mixed-use project with offices, workshops, a food shop and café, 190 homes, and a retirement village.

To date, SKDC has committed a total of £10.5 million to the development, including £1.5 million for demolition, £500,000 dedicated to master planning, and another £500,000 for the maintenance of premises.

It is also paying a monthly standing charge of £14,000 to maintain the power supply to the site, ensuring sufficient electricity for any future development.

The St Martin’s Park redevelopment masterplan | Image: SKDC

Councillor Phil Dilks (Independent), Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, reflected on assurances from the then-ruling Conservative administration about the acquisition being an “absolute bargain.”

Subsequently, the local authority entered into an agreement with Burghley Estates, the owners of the neighbouring land, who expressed interest in developing high-value housing on that parcel.

Councillor Dilks recalls voicing his scepticism, asking: “What’s in it for us?” In response, he was assured by the former leadership that the deal would “make millions.”

The Independent councillor distinctly remembered the proposal for the 1904 Building to be the only structure preserved on the site, with ambitions to transform it into an employment hub. However, permission has now been granted to knock it down.

“In the end, it wasn’t in such good state at all, and they ended up applying for a demolition order, but before they could pull it down, it fell down on its own accord,” continued Councillor Dilks. He later characterised it as “another Tory promise that literally bit the dust.”

“It was only when the new administration came to office that we started to discover the truth.”

Councillor Phil Dilks | Photo: James Turner

At an Extraordinary Council meeting last week, councillors voted on the next steps for the development, with the goal of minimising any negative financial impact. However, the meeting transitioned to a closed session, citing commercial sensitivity as the reason.

During the proceedings, Councillor Graham Jeal (Conservative), the former Mayor of Grantham, explained that the land was purchased “to ensure that Stamford wasn’t blighted by a failed industrial site.”

Although no official announcements have been made, Cllr Dilks remarked: “The council have made some proposals and they are being considered.”

Expressing his frustration, he added: “I’m annoyed that we are not able to tell the people of Stamford and South Kesteven where we are with it. I look forward to when these things can be revealed.”

Former SKDC Leader Kelham Cooke (Conservative), who held the position of Deputy Leader during the acquisition of the land, was approached for insights into the circumstances surrounding the purchase. Nevertheless, he declined to offer any comments.

After assuming the role of council leader in January, Councillor Ashley Baxter (Independent) identified the project as a key priority.

He referred to it as “one of the many legacy issues” inherited from the previous administration, noting: “It’s been a disappointment for many people involved and we really need to crack that nut.”

The local Conservative group has pledged to restore the beloved Lincoln Christmas Market if they gain control of the City of Lincoln Council in this May’s local elections.

Nearly a year has passed since the Labour-led City of Lincoln Council decided to cancel the popular four-day event due to concerns about overcrowding. While some viewed this as an opportunity for a fresh start for the city, others continue to plead for its return.

The event, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022, attracted around 320,000 visitors, with costly crowd control measures required in the future for safety.

| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

In place of the market, the City Council introduced a new programme of year-round events and activities, including a small two-day festival named Lincoln Live for local bands, the Monsters Invasion, featuring inflatable monsters atop various city buildings, and an ice sculpture trail.

However, the latter of the two in particular, faced significant criticism from local residents and businesses, with some arguing that the inflatable monsters ruined the city’s views, and that they failed to draw in tourists from outside Lincolnshire to spend money in the city.

Monster Invasion in Lincoln. | Photo: Andrew Scott

Now, Thomas Dyer, the local Conservative leader, has insisted that, should his party come into power, he would revisit plans to hold the market, given the Labour leadership’s apparent reluctance to reconsider their decision, despite the upcoming retirement of leader Ric Metcalfe.

“The Conservative group have been clear that if we were able to form an administration on the city council, we would ask officials to work with partners to formulate plans for a safe and workable Christmas Market,” said Councillor Dyer.

“As we enter a period of city council elections, I will continue to make this point — ultimately, this will be a decision for the people of Lincoln to make in May this year.

“With the upcoming retirement of Councillor Metcalfe, from what I have heard, his potential successors are not likely to divert from his current policy position on this matter.”

Conservative Lincoln MP Karl McCartney has also been campaigning since 2023 for the return of the Christmas Market in 2024.

Although the poor weather might have deterred some people, the Bailgate area of the city was noticeably quieter on what would have been the opening day of the market last year.

Coffee Aroma owner Andrew Carnell. | Photo: The Lincolnite

Andy Carnell, owner of Coffee Aroma on Guildhall Street, reported that the week, which would have coincided with the market, was statistically his worst from September to January. He added, “It’s not going to kill us, but statistically, it was the worst week.”

Specifically addressing the Ice Sculpture Trail event in December, he insisted it was “too small,” stating: “They were never going to draw in any crowds because they weren’t big enough to have an impact.”

Dave Cutten, 61, owner of ABC Clearance on the High Street, also reported that footfall was “way down” compared to 2022.

“It was noticeable,” he commented. “Whether it was due to the absence of the market or the weather, I can’t say, but it definitely had a big impact.”

Mr Cutten is actively working to organise his own Christmas Market to fill the void left by the City of Lincoln Council’s decision, starting from the lower end of the High Street and potentially expanding upwards.

The 61-year-old aims to recreate the essence of the original Christmas markets from over 40 years ago, with a stronger focus on craft stalls instead of food and drink offerings.

However, he has decided not to submit a formal planning application until Councillor Metcalfe retires in May, fearing that any proposal made prior might simply be rejected.

City of Lincoln Council refused to specify whether any form of Christmas market, even a scaled-back version, would feature in their new events programme for 2024/25.

A council spokesperson said: “Our year-long events schedule started in September 2023 with Lincoln Live, followed by the Monster Invasion in October and the Ice Trail and wider Christmas celebrations in December.

“Our next exciting event, as part of this programme, is the Lincoln Festival of History which takes place 4 – 6 May. Following this, we will be announcing our new schedule for 2024/25.”