Amaana Homes has unveiled plans to redevelop a long-abandoned parcel of land on North Street in Gainsborough, which has remained unused for over a decade following a failed construction project. The site, located adjacent to the former Friendship Inn, has been left derelict since approximately 2008, when an earlier housing development was halted mid-construction.
Historical records and online archive photos indicate that work on the initial project progressed as far as laying foundations and ground floors before being unexpectedly abandoned for reasons that have not been publicly disclosed. Over the years, the area has fallen into disrepair, with construction materials left strewn across the site and vegetation overgrowing fences and barriers, leading to an increasingly untidy and neglected appearance. By 2023, weeds had grown so tall they reached above the railings surrounding the grounds.
In response to the site’s prolonged vacancy, Amaana Homes has submitted a planning application to West Lindsey District Council to clear and revitalise the land. The proposal involves demolishing the existing remnants of the previous development and constructing sixteen one-bedroom apartments designed as supported living accommodation. These new buildings would be configured as three-storey blocks positioned along the northern and southern edges of the site.
According to the planning documents, “The former host building is a large three-storey former hotel which has recently been converted into flats. Foundations and ground floors were constructed as part of a previous approval some time ago. The plans are to clear the site and remove previous footings and ground floors to make way for a new residential use.”
The development is planned to be owned and operated by a housing provider, and aims to provide much-needed supported living facilities in the area. The decision on the application is pending, with the council set to determine the proposals at a forthcoming meeting.
The nearby Friendship Hotel, a landmark dating back to the mid-1800s with a 1920s rebuild, ceased operations around the year 2000. Following its closure, the building was converted into apartments, reflecting a broader trend towards residential redevelopment in the Gainsborough town centre. The renewal of the adjacent derelict site could represent a significant step towards further regeneration in the locality.
Source: Noah Wire Services