Gainsborough – Town Centre and Slightly Down at Heel Market Square

I was a little surprised at the state of the main market square in Gainsborough, it looked a bit sub-optimal with the closed and derelict buildings dotted all around. It was also surprising quiet during the evening, not a bustling hub of activity, it more harked back to the period of Covid when town and city centres felt oddly empty.

This is a listed building, so seeing it like this doesn’t seem ideal.

The closure of some former grand bank buildings, like the one on the left, certainly hasn’t helped matters. There are numerous grand structures once owned by the banks, but they’re falling into disrepair and it’s not entirely clear who will rent them at the moment.

There is hope though, with the Townscape Heritage Initiative having been set up to help with the economic development of the heart of Gainsborough. There has been a market held here since 1281 and since the eighteenth century, it’s taken place twice a week.

The Savoy cinema is coming soon, part of a £9 million investment project. Not only will there be a four screen cinema, but there will also be a restaurant, retail units and yet another car park.

If improved somewhat, this is a really quite grand town centre market place, so maybe the future is bright.