New development hopes to '˜inject Hollywood glamour and glitz' to Boston
The new retail and business complex, which has been created by redeveloping the library, the former council offices and the Sessions House complexis in the final stages.
Developers Paul and Amy Wilkinson, a Boston born and bred couple, say there has been a huge demand for the offices
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe development is in three distinct areas – the indoor shopping mall with new public toilets and a relaxing outdoor courtyard, a business centre and luxury flats.
The pair plan to call the shops and residential building Waterfall Plaza with a giant waterfall graphic from roof level to pavement.
Mr Wilkinson said: “We wanted to inject a little glamour and glitz – a taste of Hollywood in the centre of Boston; after all we are linked with Boston, America.”
The County Hall Business Centre is in the former County Hall building off the Market Place which still houses the town library.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMr and Mrs Wilkinson have agreed the library can continue to operate from the building and have waived the rent for ten years.
On the upper floors are 19 business units of which all but four have been let,
Mr Wilkinson said: “We could have let the shop units ten times over. We knew there would be this sort of demand.”
The smallest units are being rented out in the mall for just £50 a week, while office suites start at £25 for a desk, phone and internet access and £70 for smaller rooms.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMrs Wilkinson said: “These are new businesses generated by entrepreneurs who will be able to begin trading for just £50. Once they have made £50 a week they are in profit.”
Businesses already sign up include a centre for toddlers with a soft play area, a pet food supplier, an e-cigarette store and handmade jewellery, afreelance children’s clothes design and an employment agency.
The mall includes public toilets and access for disabled people as well as a coffee shop with indoor and outdoor areas in the sopping mall
The shop units are all self-contained and all served by a central walk-through area leading to a courtyard.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe developers promise, whowever, that the businesses will not ‘tread on the toes of existing businesses’.
Mrs Wilkinson said: “We have not let to any business which could tread on the toes of any existing business in town.
“If market traders are interested in having a shop we will make it a condition that they cannot do that in order to quit their market stall.
“We do not want to do anything which damages the town’s existing shopping offer.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe adjoining office block is being converted into three floors of spacious two and three-bedroomed flats – three on each level.
Paul praised the views of Boston Stump and Centenary Methodist Church, adding: “What a view to wake up to each morning. These are the best views in Boston,” said Paul.
The pair are inviting suggestions for what to do with Sessions House and have no firm plans.
You can contact Drurys Estate Agents on 01205 350 889 about the business units and flats and with ideas for the sessions house.