Part of the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, Gainsborough is situated on the River Trent, and just 18 miles northwest from the city and county town of Lincoln.Historically, it was an important port with trade downstream to Hull, and it was also the most inland port of England, being more than 55 miles from the North Sea.
In the 2011 census, it was reported as having a population of 18,508 however a more recent estimate from 2014 suggest the higher figure of 21,787. The town is growing and so is its prosperity. House prices have shown growth of around 4% across the last year and there has been significant investment into the area.
Gainsborough’s History
Visit Lincolnshire describes Gainsborough as a medieval market town revived. This red brick market town and river port has managed to retain some of its 18th century buildings including the majestic Gainsborough Old Hall, where kings have dined! Gainsborough boasts of some beautiful countryside and the tower of the Old Hall gives a fantastic view of the Trent Valley almost to the Humber.
Things to do in Gainsborough
Marshall’s Yard shopping complex comprises 32 stores where people can buy anything they need. There’s an Italian restaurant, coffee shop, health club and a landscaped plaza, with convenient onsite parking.
Gainsborough is an excellent place to live and work with plenty of things to do. Whether people want to enjoy a stroll on the river, to have a wander in the traditional markets, or make a day of it shopping in Marshall’s, there are plenty of reasons to stay in the town. For those wanting to venture further afield, the town has good road links to the neighbouring towns of Retford, Scunthorpe and the Cathedral City of Lincoln.
While the town may not have its own university the high standard of education available means that the sky’s the limit for the local children. Queen Elizabeth High School has an “Outstanding” Ofsted rating so pretty much everything that parents hope for in terms of addressing their children’s educational and developmental needs are assured.
Investment in the Future
Gainsborough is an area of massive investment at the moment. The town is looking to increase its population by 10,000 to 36,000 over the next 20 years. Already, there are two urban extensions to the north and south of the town which will accommodate at least 2,150 new homes before 2036. Planning consent has been granted to the southern neighbourhood for 2,500 homes, employment land, commercial space and social infrastructure. And in the northern neighbourhood 750 new homes are being built along with supporting local facilities. These developments are on top of the recent and successful developments at The Swale, The Belt and Foxby Lane.
