Major milestone on shopfront restoration
The redevelopment of 5–6 Market Place in Market Rasen has reached a major milestone following the completion of restored shopfronts, helping to bring new life to one of the town’s most prominent historic buildings.
The restored shopfronts, supported by West Lindsey District Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, form part of a wider regeneration project to transform the former Lloyds Bank building into a welcoming community cafe and hub in the heart of Market Rasen.
The building will become the new home of Clip, relocating its much‑loved Clip Cafe and training centre from Queen Street into a larger, purpose‑designed space on Market Place. The cafe will reopen as Grange Cafe, continuing to be run by the Clip team and offering affordable, nutritious food alongside a broader programme of learning, wellbeing and employability support.
Coun Moira Westley, Deputy Leader of West Lindsey District Council and ward member for Market Rasen, welcomed the progress of the project.
She said: “It’s fantastic to see these shopfronts restored and the building brought back into active use. Its central location on Market Place makes it highly visible and accessible, helping to support footfall and provide a welcoming space for the local community.”
The project is led by Acis Group, which works across housing, learning, skills, wellbeing and employment. The redevelopment will provide improved facilities for Clip’s established services, which support local people through education, confidence‑building, employability and community wellbeing activities, alongside the cafe.
Coun Stephen Bunney, ward member for Market Rasen, highlighted the wider impact on the town centre.
He said: “The improvements to this building make a real difference to the look and feel of Market Rasen. This has been a collaborative effort involving West Lindsey District Council, Market Rasen Town Council and Acis Group, and it’s encouraging to see a space being created that will offer valuable opportunities and support for local residents.”
In addition to the shopfront restoration, the wider project has been supported through a range of funding streams from West Lindsey District Council, including support for internal fixtures and facilities, helping ensure the space is fully equipped to meet community needs.
Greg Bacon, Chief Executive of Acis Group, said: “We’re proud to be bringing this important building back into use and supporting Clip as it moves into a new home at the heart of Market Rasen. This space will allow us to continue and grow Clip’s learning, wellbeing and community offer, while contributing positively to the vitality of the town centre. We’re grateful for the support from West Lindsey District Council, which has helped make this project possible.”
According to the council, the work at 5–6 Market Place forms part of West Lindsey District Council’s wider efforts to regenerate Market Rasen’s historic centre, supporting local services, strengthening community connections and enhancing the town’s long‑term sustainability.