Work has started on the £1.5 million transformation of the former site of Lincoln’sfamous Golden Cross pub, which closed in 2020.
Following the recent demolition of the old pub, the Sturton-by-Stow based Gelder Group has embarked on a special housing project, after being awarded a contract by Framework Housing Association.
Although the building site is quite small, the Young People’s Learning Provision (YPLP) – which is part of the county council’s Children’s Services - has kindly allowed the company to park site traffic on their land. This has removed the need for additional traffic to be on the road, relieving potential congestion.
The new building will comprise 15 “supported housing” flats, which meet the Secured by Design accreditation. This is a police-preferred specification which provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime.
Gelder Group Chief Executive Officer Steve Gelder said:
“We are delighted to be working on this project for several reasons. Obviously, winning this work was great news for team Gelder.
“It is also special to be transforming a site which, historically, had connections with Lincoln City Football Club. Being so close to City’s Sincil Bank ground, it was a natural watering hole for Red Imps’ fans, he said.
“On a more serious note, we have also long admired the amazing work done by Framework, in supporting people who are homeless or at risk of being so. Also, it doesn’t stop there, because it also supports its “clients” with their health, social care and employment needs.”
An artist’s (impression) (attached) shows what the building – due to be completed by March 2025 - will look like and a striking hoarding (image attached) aims to ensure that passers-by can now see that work is now underway.
Framework Director of Corporate Services, Dave Newmarch said:
"We are delighted tohave the opportunity to help address the shortage of accommodation for homeless people in Lincoln with these purpose-built premises providing 15 self-contained, one-bed units for single homeless people.
"Framework is a registered charity and a registered provider of social housing and we have been providing services for homeless and vulnerable people in Lincolnshire since 2011.
"This new housing on the High Street will be our fifth major capital investment in Lincoln to provide good quality, purpose-built accommodation for people in need. It brings our total investment in the city to more than £9.6m and enables us to provide accommodation for more than 100 homeless people at any one time.
"With support from the City of Lincoln Council, the £2.65m project has been funded under the government's Single Homeless Accommodation Programme which provides homes and crucial support for people with high and enduring support needs, including rough sleepers.
"The government grant of £1.7m has been supplemented by a contribution from Framework itself worth £850,000.
"We are delighted to be working with the excellent Gelder Group - keeping the work in Lincolnshire and ensuring that the project is delivered to the high standards we wish to provide for the people we support.
"When the flats are occupied in spring 2025 residents will receive dedicated support from staff who will be on site 24/7 to address the issues that contributed to residents' homelessness in the first place."
A random passer-by has already commented on the eye-catching hoarding:
She said:
“I just wanted to say what a brilliant idea and how great your hoarding looks on the High Street (Golden Cross site) in Lincoln. I think it looks really good and by doing that you have deterred anyone from defacing it and making it look a state. Well done Gelders! Please pass that on to whoever had the genius idea.”
https://gelder.co.uk/