Lindum Group reach completion on new £1.2m Hub in Sleaford

The newly renamed Hub in Sleaford is ready to open following a year-long £1.2 million transformation by Lindum Group.

Previously known as the National Centre for Craft and Design, the Hub reopens to the public on Monday 17^th of May.

The project was procured through Medium Works Framework with North Kesteven District Council appointing Lindum following a Further Competition process. 

Improved accessibility and additional facilities 

It now offers a new and more accessible ground floor gallery area, performing arts and workshop spaces and re-focused community provision including for children.

Meanwhile its extended CaféBar is a place to meet and eat with doors connecting to al fresco terrace seating overlooking the River Slea. Its shop houses a larger collection of handmade craft products and gifts in support of local artists and increases the ability of the Hub to respond to community need.

A new chapter for the building has also begun, as one floor previously used for admin and office space is now let by contractors Lincs Inspire to local company MRI Software which has relocated there staying within the town and sustaining local jobs. The arrangement set out within the redevelopment supports Lincs Inspire as a not-for-profit charitable company to reinvest back into the service.

A grand reopening in changing circumstances

Representatives from North Kesteven District Council, architects LK2, Lindum Group which completed the work, and members of the Hub team came together for a Covid secure tour of the new facilities this week to see finishing touches being made.

Leader of North Kesteven District Council Councillor Richard Wright said: “It’s a wonderful moment to see the team preparing to welcome new and existing visitors and creatives to the Hub and its reshaped and improved offering, as Covid restrictions continue to ease and we slowly and cautiously get back to the things we’ve missed.

“Visitors will discover not only refurbished and more accessible facilities for a broader range of the arts and enjoyment for all, but a place that marries together the building’s past heritage and present form with more pride than ever through its name.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the scheme, including the Hub team and the creatives whose works continue to breathe new life and push artistic boundaries from within the Hub’s walls. I’d also like to thank all those in our District and beyond who’ve shown their support in the past, and who plan to do so by visiting now.”

Contracts manager Paul Jenkinson said: “This has been a really interesting job to work on. At first, the programme was delayed because we discovered some unexpected services underground but then as Covid hit and the centre was forced to close, we were actually able to catch up and finish slightly ahead of schedule.

“It was a real Lindum team effort, as we used our own builders, joiners and managers on the project and well as equipment from Lindum Plant. Waste from the site was handled by our recycling division at Saxilby and our roofing and cladding experts from KGM installed the roof decking and roof coverings.

“The finished building is really light and airy and it’s definitely somewhere I would like to come and visit in future. It’s in a lovely location and it will be really nice to sit and have a drink in the café and riverside terrace over-looking the water.”

Jonathan Parker, National Framework Manager at Pagabo, said: "It's fantastic to see yet another scheme reach completion after procurement through our Medium Works Framework. This is quickly becoming first choice for the public sector on all of their mid-sized construction projects which is testament to its flexibility and the quality of regional contractors available. 

"Despite the obvious obstacles that the coronavirus pandemic has presented to the delivery team throughout this project, its excellent to see works finishing ahead of schedule and to such a high standard." 

The Hub will be open from Monday 17th May as other areas of the UK's hospitality sector begin to open up. 

Visitors will be asked to abide by current Covid restrictions, as in any other indoor shop or public space, by maintaining good hand hygiene, wearing a face covering unless exempt and keeping to social distancing.

Find out more below:

Medium Works Framework

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Lindum Group