Community and collaboration key to Caistor's regeneration
The importance of community and collaboration, when it comes to the success of businesses within the visitor economy, is something we've talked about a lot over the past few weeks. Mainly due to the launch of our Retail Champion project - a golden opportunity for those working in retail, hospitality, leisure, and visitor attractions to register their interest to work with The Retail Champion, Clare Bailey.
The project will deliver funded support to businesses, allowing them to tap into Clare’s 10 Step Action Plan and advice thanks to funding by West Lindsey District Council, Boston Borough Council and East Lindsey District Council.
We headed to Caistor and Market Rasen this week (Tuesday, 16th August) with Clare, to chat to some of the businesses she has already worked with, provided them with support which has absolutely boosted their businesses. While we were out and about it was wonderful to chat with Neil Castle, board member on the Caistor and District Community Trust, all about the regeneration of 2 - 4 Market Place, Caistor.
The Trust has been working hard in recent years to develop plans and secure investment for the buildings, known locally as 'The Old Co-op'. What we most love about the development of 2 - 4 Market Place, is that it will offer opportunities for residents, visitors and businesses to stay, shop, eat, work, create and socialise in a hub at the heart of the town. A hub that will make incredible use of buildings that have stood unloved for more than a decade.
Of the £2.4million to complete the project, 86% has been contributed by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Architectural Heritage Fund, and Caistor Town Council working with the Public Works Loan Board. So, the Board has developed a Community Share Offer, which has just launched, to not only raise the final £350,000, without which the regeneration cannot take place, but to offer businesses and individuals an investment which will work to bring together a community that has seen so much positive change over the last few years.
Despite the pandemic, new businesses have opened in Caistor, while others have expanded and taken on regeneration projects in their own right to add further attraction to the rural market town.
This Open Day Launch Event, - have a watch for further information about the project and some thoughts from those who attended - hosted by the Trust at the end of June, was a popular event, resulting in investments totalling £40,000 from individuals and institutions. £75,000 of matched investment from the Co-operatives UK Community Shares Booster Fund has also been secured.