Demolition of an empty shop unit and a former office block in Boston town centre is now underway, marking a major milestone in the ambitious Rosegarth Square redevelopment project.
Over the coming weeks, visitors to the town will witness the gradual removal of the old B&M store and the Crown House building, which previously housed the job centre.
The project, led by Boston Borough Council and funded by £14.8 million of Government funding, aims to transform the area between the River Witham and the bus station into a vibrant public space with a new park, public art, housing, and retail opportunities.
Demolition began with the safe removal of asbestos, which is expected to be completed by January 31st. Contractors Lindum will then dismantle the B&M store, followed by Crown House. Planning permission was granted to replace Crown House with a mixed-use development featuring ground-floor retail units and upper-storey apartments.
Lindum Group Co-chairman Freddie Chambers said the entire demolition process should be completed by the end of March.
“Lindum has been working with the council for more than a year to help bring forward the Rosegarth Square scheme.
“Initially, we were appointed to help with the public realm development,” he said. “But as the council’s masterplan progressed, and it purchased the B&M and Crown House buildings, our team assisted with the design and planning stages of the wider scheme.”
“We’ve been on-site since January, carrying out preparatory work. It should take until the end of March to complete the demolition and then construction of the new building will begin.”
The entire redevelopment is expected to take up to a year and a half to complete. The scheme forms part of a broader initiative to boost the local economy, modernise infrastructure, and create a thriving community space. Provisions for new public toilet facilities and the relocation of the existing Changing Places facility are also included in the plan.
Additionally, plans have been approved for public realm improvements, which will introduce new artwork, social spaces, and a redesigned entrance and drop-off area for the Len Medlock Centre. The new Crown House development will also include landscaping, parking, and cycle storage to align with the overall Rosegarth Square masterplan.
Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council said, “This is a huge milestone not only for Boston but for the Rosegarth Square regeneration project. To have works starting on site is an exciting moment and the people of Boston can now the project progressing.
“This project will modernise Boston and create a thriving community space and a place where people can be proud of becoming the heart of Boston. This will also create new opportunities for the local community and economy.
“We are proud to be working with Lindum on this project and we look forward to celebrating more milestones with them over the next year and a half.”
The redevelopment of Rosegarth Square is set to bring significant improvements to the town, providing modern amenities and an inviting space for residents and visitors alike.
