East Lindsey District Council has given the go-ahead for ambitious plans for the second phase of the £20m East Lindsey Investment Fund (ELIF).
The decision, made by the council's Executive Board on Wednesday 1 July 2026, represents an unprecedented investment in our local communities, with funding coming directly from the authority’s own funds.
The East Lindsey Investment Fund (ELIF 1) was launched in September 2024, when the council allocated £10m to improve life for everyone across the district.
Over the past two years, ELIF 1 has delivered ambitious projects across coastal communities, market towns and rural villages, focusing on its four key priorities of community development, pride in place, tourism and events, and business growth.
Following the success of this scheme, the council allocated a further £10m for the second phase (ELIF 2) in March 2026, when setting its budget. Executive Board was updated on the impact of the scheme so far, as well as approving the allocation of the second phase, releasing £10m to support transformational projects, community initiatives and economic growth across the district.
Impact since 2024
Investment so far has included a new wellbeing hub for Jubilee Park in Woodhall Spa, a new play area at Park Avenue in Louth, public realm improvements in Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea, support for the Sir Joseph Banks Centre in Horncastle and improvements to visitor facilities at Old Bolingbroke Castle. The fund has also supported the preservation of Harrison Woodlands near Louth through one of England's largest woodland restoration programmes.
Through grant schemes and community funding programmes, investment has reached dozens of local organisations and community groups. Projects have included new community facilities, village hall improvements, youth provision, sports facilities, heritage projects, cultural activities and Atlantis Alliance- a multi-agency emergency response hub along the Lincolnshire coast.
The programme has already helped improve 35 community facilities, created 107 volunteering opportunities, engaged more than 7,300 people and attracted more than £620,000 in additional match funding into the district.
