Plans to redevelop and reinvigorate disused land and buildings around the train crossing in Sleaford

What do you value most about Sleaford and which uses could best reinvigorate the Old Sidings area adjoining the town centre, for it and everyone’s benefit?

These are two of the questions in a survey open now for your input and ideas, available until November 22 at: https://my.engaged.space/osm-sleaford/

The Old Sidings Masterplan is being led by North Kesteven District Council and will involve landowners and a range of stakeholders, along with using expertise from masterplanning specialists Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

The coming masterplan and Old Sidings area was showcased at the recent Great Exhibition event in Lincoln. | North Kesteven District Council

placeholder image — The coming masterplan and Old Sidings area was showcased at the recent Great Exhibition event in Lincoln. | North Kesteven District Council

Responses to the survey will be used to shape this 20-year forward vision for the Old Sidings area, which consists of different disused buildings and land around the train crossing including the privately-owned Bass Maltings.

As part of this first round of public engagement in the Old Sidings masterplan, there will also be an oral histories event ‘Stories from the Sidings’ from Friday November 13 to November 16 at Cogglesford Watermill (from midday-3.30pm).

It will celebrate the people, places and memories that have shaped the Old Sidings by inviting residents past and present to share photos and memories connected to the area including the Bass Maltings, the railway and sidings, the Carre Arms Hotel, riverside industries and local businesses. People can come along to the mill to digitally scan their photographs and record their stories, for showcasing later in the project or simply for posterity, and reflect over tea and coffee on what the area means to Sleaford today.

North Kesteven District Council Leader Councillor Richard Wright said: “I’d encourage everyone to fill out our survey, to let us know the uses that you think could best regenerate the Old Sidings area and how they might complement the ways you use and value Sleaford town centre, and to come along to Stories from the Sidings at Cogglesford Watermill if you have memories to share.

“The masterplan will create a clear future for the Old Sidings to be reinvigorated into a vibrant space while also preserving its heritage, and once complete will make it investment-ready to be unlocked with the right partners and funding, so it’s important to have your say now in this first stage of public engagement.
“By taking the survey you can also sign up to be a project partner and hear the latest directly from us and the team, including how to join a second stage of public engagement early next year which will present more detail on options and ask for your feedback on how the masterplan is developing.”

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios is partnering with North Kesteven District Council on the Old Sidings Masterplan. It’s an internationally recognised and award-winning architectural and urban design practice bringing together expertise in architecture, masterplanning, heritage and sustainability.

As part of the masterplan it is leading a wider team of specialists in viability, public realm design, transport and movement, bringing together skills needed to address the opportunities and complexities of the Old Sidings and develop a considered, deliverable vision for its future. That includes engagement specialists Deetu, who are leading on the public consultation and engagement for the masterplan.
Partner at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios George Wilson said: “The Old Sidings is a rare opportunity to reshape the relationship between Sleaford’s heritage, its existing communities and its future growth. The Bass Maltings will be an important part of the Old Sidings’ future, but the masterplan is about the whole area and how it works for Sleaford.

“We’re excited to begin this first round of engagement and to listen and to work alongside residents and businesses to explore the ideas, uses and opportunities that will make it a place the town can be proud of.”
Deetu Old Sidings Masterplan Engagement Lead Izaak Sabo said: “The Old Sidings Masterplan offers a unique opportunity for local communities and stakeholders alike to share how they connect with Sleaford, what they value most about the town, and their aspirations for the area's future.

“We are excited to be a part of this project, and looking forward to reading the stories, ideas and feedback from residents, businesses and other key stakeholders from across Sleaford, to help collectively shape the future of this important part of the town.”

The masterplan is expected to complete in June 2027 and will then be formally considered through a further process. Its purpose will be to guide future decisions as a non-statutory framework; while also supporting discussions with partners, landowners, investors and the community. In addition to signing up to become a project partner at https://my.engaged.space/osm-sleaford/ you can also sign up for e-newsletters at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected