New vibe for market town
Sleaford is seeing a wave of major infrastructure, retail, and community developments in 2026 and there’s more to come.
Think you know Sleaford? Think again! This popular town has lots going for it, with good schools, a selection of national brand shops and local retailers too; it also offers residents sporting and health facilities, plus a mix of shopping, and a good choice of places to eat out.
On the horizon are new homes, a Savoy cinema, more parking provision and a trip boat which will take locals and visitors to the town along the River Slea.
A £316.6 million extra care housing scheme is one step nearer to becoming a reality after partners confirmed the final funding package for the development. The site could also be expanded later with the addition of 20 more homes to create a mixed-tenure, multi-generational community.
The scheme is being delivered by North Kesteven District Council (NKDC), Homes England and Lincolnshire County Council.
Homes England has approved £7.268m through its social and Affordable Homes Programme, NKDC will contribute £6.42m, while the County Council will provide £2.92m.
Planning permission is already in place and a contractor has also been engaged. Construction work is expected to start in Spring 2027 and the extra care and supported living homes are due to be ready by autumn 2028.
CULTURE BID
Building on a strengthening of an organisational partnership of arts and cultural interest bodies within the town, Sleaford made a bid to be the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028.
The approach through a new government competition to win prize funding of £3m to develop cultural activity locally highlighted the town’s rich heritage, creative spirit and distinctive characteristics.
Although ultimately Sleaford’s bid was not one of the 15 shortlisted from almost 400 submissions, the Sleaford Culture & Heritage Forum, comprising local cultural organisations, creatives, heritage groups and community partners, will look to see how it can build up some of its proposals collaboratively or independently outside of the Town of Culture approach.
The Government’s aim was to highlight the essential role towns play in the national cultural landscape by showcasing their unique identity, history and creativity, with success leading to a year-long programme of arts, activity and community-enrichment.
By bringing together representatives from museums, arts organisations, theatre, heritage sites, community groups and both District and Town councils, the Sleaford Culture & Heritage Forum will continue to develop a forward-looking vision that builds on a rich heritage.
CINEMA PLANNING APPLICATION PREMIERES
Excitement continues to build after a planning application outlining a vision for a new four-screen 320-seat cinema was submitted earlier in the summer.
In partnership with operator Savoy Cinemas Ltd, a multi-million-pound investment package has been agreed by North Kesteven District Council to bring forward this long-held aspiration for community benefit and economic opportunity within the District.
Savoy’s planning application for a site within Money’s Yard is awaiting a decision and, subject to a positive planning outcome, the cinema could be open early in 2028.
Located in the middle of town, with easy access from Southgate, adjacent parking and proximity to other businesses, bars, restaurants and cultural venues, it will bring investment right into the heart of Sleaford.
If approved, the project will involve the demolition of the Citizens Advice Bureau and old toilet block, and a reconfiguration of access and parking within Money’s Yard, including additional disabled bays.
CAR PARKING BOOST
Summer saw demolition works start to make way for a new town centre car park in the town’s derelict ambulance station.
After being bought by North Kesteven District Council expressly for this purpose, the former EMAS Station on Kesteven Street – which has sat empty since 2018, will now be brought back into use and provide free and low-cost parking under the council’s vision for town centre regeneration. Once complete the car park will provide 40 spaces.
Being easily accessed off Eastgate, one of Sleaford’s main arterial routes, a significant advantage is that it can serve vehicles before they reach the one-way system, helping to address congestion, vehicle idling and car dominance in the centre and at the new cinema when delivered.
ALL ABOARD
Plans are progressing well on fitting out a pleasure trip boat in Sleaford, with work hoped to start on dredging the channel of the River Slea later this year.
Sleaford Navigation Trust has been preparing the purpose-built Benjamin Handley narrowboat while moored up at Eastgate Green, near the Hub, with the help of funding acquired by North Kesteven District Council.
The Trust’s 12-passenger, 30-foot trip boat is designed to run on the River Slea between The Hub and Cogglesford Watermill, offering local history, mill visits, and town centre access.
While waiting for public boat operations to commence, you can also explore the waterway by canoe or foot.
For the latest official updates on the launch schedule or to enquire about volunteering, visit www.sleafordnavigation.co.uk or follow the Sleaford Navigation Trust Facebook page.
CHANGING PLACES INVESTMENT
Work continues on the transformation of an old house into new business opportunities, toilets and a Changing Places facility at the heart of Sleaford.
A four-month programme of refurbishment and improvement works to 25b Southgate will result in a newly accessible building off Money’s Yard with multiple community benefits.
Alongside new public conveniences, the accredited Changing Places facility will include a height-adjustable changing bench and ceiling hoist within a larger space designated for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.
This will assist more people to take part in and attend events and activities in the town, to shop and enjoy leisure time, with greater confidence and comfort.
Bringing the unused building back into use will also deliver two new business opportunities: a café kiosk on the ground floor within a riverside garden and an upstairs suite of rooms.
With work scheduled for completion by mid-October, the complex could be open by the autumn half-term holidays.
There are currently 18 registered Changing Places within Lincolnshire, including at the Council’s ONE NK leisure centre and International Bomber Command Centre in North Kesteven.
NOMINATIONS FOR NK COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARDS
It is time to nominate and celebrate people who make a positive difference to lives and communities across North Kesteven through their kind consideration and voluntary endeavour.
Nominations are invited for this year’s NK Community Champion Awards, which are backed by community-minded businesses within the District and co-ordinated by NKDC.
If you know an unsung hero who deserves to be recognised, please honour them through a nomination via www.nkawards.org by Monday 14th September.
Across 11 categories, judges are looking to champion all manner of expressions of voluntary action undertaken tirelessly, quietly and selflessly for the benefit of people and communities within North Kesteven.
It could be by supporting neighbours, contributing to a sports club, picking litter, maintaining paths, supporting those in need, contributing freely in a myriad ways, changing lifestyles and business practice to reduce climate impacts, or going over and above in any way that brings broad benefit or community enrichment.
The categories include:
- Community Spirit
- Young Achiever
- Community Business
- Community Group
- Contributions to climate action, arts & culture, sport, a better environment and health & wellbeing
- Good Neighbour
- Longstanding contribution to a single group or organisation
AUTUMN/WINTER EVENTS
Enjoy a celebration of all things autumn as Sleaford Pumpkin Fest returns to Sleaford Market Place on Saturday 24th October, 10am-2pm.
This free, family-friendly event will transform the Market Place into a vibrant autumn hub, with a pumpkin giveaway, seasonal stalls and plenty of interactive activities to enjoy.
Visitors can get involved with free crafts, capture the moment at themed photo opportunities – including the popular inflatable Sleaford Wyvern – and soak up a lively atmosphere designed to bring the community together.
Whether you’re picking out your perfect pumpkin or enjoying time with family and friends, it’s a great way to welcome the season in the heart of Sleaford.
As the festive season approaches, WinterLight returns for its third year with an unforgettable seasonal experience. Taking place on Saturday 19th December, from 3pm-8pm, this free event fills the Market Place with light, entertainment and seasonal magic.
Visitors can enjoy free ice skating and curling, alongside live music, dance, walkabout performers, festive crafts and the highlight of the evening: a stunning illuminated lantern procession.
For more information on both events visit www.heartoflincs.com
MAYFIELD VINEYARD: RAISE A GLASS TO THE KINGS ARMS
Late 2026 signifies another stride in Mayfield vineyards’ ever-growing development; this comes in the form of a vibrant new bar inspired by the much-loved Kings Arms in Burton Pedwardine’s history, a revival of the village essence.
Vineyard owners the Key family, have entrusted Jeremy Clarkson’s very own Hawkstone to supply their premium lager and cider. The star of the show remains the excellent selection of Mayfield’s wines, a crisp dry white, smooth and quaffable red, perfectly chilled rosés and two beautifully crafted sparkling wines from this truly wild vineyard.
To complete your day, Mayfield Vineyard will offer a selection of delicious stone-baked pizzas made to pair perfectly with the drink of your choice.
“At Mayfield Vineyard our emphasis is always about creating relaxing, fun and educational experiences with our local community,” says Drew Harbron, newly appointed business development manager. “We hope you will join us for a slice of pizza and a pint to celebrate our grand opening night on 11th September.
“Mayfield Vineyard is adding the bar to an already well-established community amongst holiday homes, wine tastings and Sunday roasts. We believe the bar is the perfect next step in our local journey. Keep your eyes on our social media as we plan for a busy winter!”
For more information visit www.mayfieldwine.co.uk
STYLISH SOLUTIONS FROM CLIFFSIDE WINDOWS
If you’re looking for a stunning conservatory to enhance your home, the experts at Cliffside Windows can help you make the right choice.
As experienced specialists in the manufacturing and installation of double glazed aluminium and uPVC products, Cliffside Windows, which has been trading for more than 50 years, has earned an unrivalled reputation for delivering quality customer service and care.
Based in Dunston, this well-established business offers first-class solutions for all double glazed uPVC products, providing doors, windows, porches as well as superb conservatories, which feature the innovative LEKA Systems.
As industry leaders in lightweight, tiled conservatory roof and modular base options LEKA Systems offer a contemporary and comfortable year-round living space.
As a main stockist, Cliffside Windows leads the way in guiding customers to make the right choice when choosing LEKA’s new concept, which delivers not only state-of-the-art lightweight roofing but stylish, energy-efficient bases too.
Why choose LEKA?
LEKA products were originally designed as a replacement conservatory roof system and proved the perfect solution to refurbishing inefficient conservatories that are cold in winter and too hot in summer.
Unlike traditional roofs, the LEKA System is nearly half the weight of a glass roof and delivers better insulation. While other lightweight roofs are made from aluminium and timber which makes them heavy, the Lightweight LEKA Systems are made from a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) structural framework.
LEKA Xi’s prefabricated conservatory base and walls have proved a game-changing modular conservatory system, offering unparalleled quality, performance, and style. Typically, the LEKA Xi conservatory base, as well as a LEKA roof, are installed in just days and offer peace of mind with no thermal bridging or moisture absorption due to its GRP lightweight, structurally sound framework.
Select your style
Investing in a new conservatory is a practical way to increase usable space while improving your home by offering added light and extra flexible living space.
When designed and installed correctly, a conservatory becomes a natural extension of the home rather than a separate space.
Cliffside Windows offers a wide range of conservatory styles, including:
Victorian conservatories: Timeless elegance and ideal for cosy social spaces.
Edwardian conservatories: Spacious, symmetrical designs perfect for hosting or additional storage.
Sun Lounge conservatories: Maximise natural light for a bright, relaxing retreat.
Customisation options include a variety of colours such as white, cream, rosewood, and light oak. Select timber effects for the exterior while keeping lighter shades inside, and choose solar glass roofing for better temperature control, noise insulation, and easy cleaning.
Whatever home improvement product you choose to explore, Cliffside’s friendly and helpful on-site expert team are always happy to help make the perfect choice.
For more information visit www.cliffsidewindows.co.uk
A PASSION FOR GOOD FOOD AT THE LIONS CAFÉ
Owned and run by Russ & Deb Pryor, the Lions Café in Sleaford offers great quality food and barista coffee in a welcoming environment. Here they explain how they ensure fantastic flavours and an attractive, contemporary space for customers to enjoy.
The Lions Café was born from a simple belief: if people choose to spend their hard-earned money eating out, the food should be genuinely special. It should feel better than something you could make at home, while still being rooted in honest, comforting, home-cooked food.
For us that means putting care, pride and a little bit of ourselves into everything we prepare and do. We buy quality ingredients and create our food from scratch.
We roast our own ham because we believe it tastes better. Our salmon comes from Loch Duart in Scotland; we fillet it, cure it and smoke it ourselves, allowing us to control the flavour without relying on chemical preservatives. Our cakes are baked in-house, our sauces and dressings are mostly homemade, everything from our Caesar dressing and honey mustard dressing to our mushroom sauce and béchamel is prepared by our own team.
We buy locally wherever possible. Our eggs and bread come from local suppliers, while our meat is provided by our family butchers. Deb comes from four generations of butchers, and our sausages are still made using a traditional family recipe that is more than 80 years old. We love knowing that, by supporting us, our customers are also supporting other local Lincolnshire businesses.
Our coffee is our own five bean Arabica blend, roasted in small batches to preserve both quality and fresh flavours.
Our menu offers something for every appetite, from all-day breakfasts and East Indian curries to chicken schnitzel, croque monsieur and a varied burger selection. Our vegetarian burger features our own jackfruit and chickpea patties, created to ensure every bite is full of flavour. Seasonal specials keep the menu fresh and give our chefs the freedom to be creative.
Russ has a great love of food rooted in his dad’s influence, which has stayed with him throughout his life. After spending time in the beautiful Acton Valley in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where lions roam freely, the name The Lions Café felt like a natural choice. We wanted to recreate some of that feeling of freedom, calm and escape.
We built and designed every part of the café ourselves, from the layout and furniture to the décor and acoustic soundproofing, creating a warm, contemporary space which is vibrant and comfortable.
With 38 seats inside, 16 outside, plentiful parking and a new garden planned for 2027, The Lions Café is a place to relax, enjoy good company and experience food prepared with genuine heart.
You will find us just off Lions Way, at Valley Gate – where, quite fittingly, The Lions awaits. Open Monday to Saturday 8am-4pm. Tel. 01529 417238 or visit lionscafe.co.uk
Photographs: Mick Fox
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