Description

Turning Need into Reality

Framework Housing Association required a high-quality supported housing development to help address homelessness in Lincoln. Their ambition was clear: to create safe, modern, and fully equipped accommodation for individuals with a history of rough sleeping—together with essential support services delivered on site.

Gelder Group provided full development services, including planning, negotiations and the delivery of a complete Design & Build solution. The result was Sincil House, a transformational project providing 15 self-contained flats, offices, training facilities, accessible units, and communal amenities—all delivered on time despite significant constraints.

Project Background

Framework identified the former Golden Cross pub site as a key opportunity to expand supported housing provision. Gelder Group were engaged to:

• Secure planning permission
• Develop a tailored design solution
• Deliver a complete Design & Build contract
• Provide a building enabling 24/7 support and long-term stability for vulnerable residents

The completed scheme offers modern, self-contained accommodation, alongside shared spaces including a communal kitchen, living room, and laundry. The project was also designed to allow residents to keep pets, reflecting Framework’s commitment to compassionate and flexible care.

Key Challenges & How We Overcame Them

Delivering a development of this scale in the heart of Lincoln’s historic High Street presented several complexities.

1. Tight, Urban Site Constraints

Situated between an operational funeral directors and a busy public footpath, the site demanded:

• Meticulous logistical planning
• Smaller, scheduled deliveries
• Continuous coordination with neighbouring businesses
• Careful segregation to protect the public

2. Archaeological Considerations

Located close to the route of a Roman road, the site required:

• Extensive archaeological oversight
• Responsive project adjustments during excavation
• Ongoing negotiation with archaeologists to maintain programme flow

Early archaeological delays meant the team had to accelerate construction to meet Framework’s strict funding deadlines. Extending the programme was not an option—yet the completed scheme was delivered on time, safeguarding the client’s vital funding.

3. Health & Safety in a Live Environment

Working in a dense, mixed-use location demanded proactive management of:

• Pedestrian safety
• Adjacent commercial activities
• Public footfall
• Noise, dust and access restrictions

Our team maintained continuous communication with residents, local businesses and stakeholders to minimise disruption.

Solutions & Technical Delivery

Gelder Group’s delivery combined technical expertise with a compassionate understanding of the project’s purpose. Key features included:

Smart Design & Specification

• Individually self-contained flats, including two fully accessible units
• Secure, private entry systems
• Designed for 24/7 staffing
• Offices and training rooms to support daily operations
• Fully equipped communal kitchen, lounge, and laundry areas

Sustainability & Quality

• Energy-efficient M&E systems
• High-performance building fabric
• Materials suited for long-term resilience and low maintenance
• Designs that promote safety, dignity and independence

Community-Focused Approach

• Regular communication with neighbours
• Careful traffic control to minimise impact on local businesses
• Preservation of heritage considerations where required

Project Management Excellence

The project required integrated management between:

• Framework Housing Association
• Gelder Group delivery teams
• Design Space Architects
• Archaeologists
• Local businesses
• City of Lincoln Council

Despite early delays, collaborative working and accelerated sequencing ensured delivery within the required 12-month period, protecting essential funding and achieving the client’s operational deadlines.

Community Impact

Sincil House has had a significant positive impact in Lincoln:

• Providing safe, stable homes for people with a history of rough sleeping
• Offering tailored support to help residents rebuild their lives
• Enhancing local provision for vulnerable individuals
• Adding to nearly £10 million of Framework investment in homelessness accommodation in the city

To date, the building continues to perform well, delivering on its purpose and supporting some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

Steve Gelder CEO Gelder Group

“It has been a pleasure to deliver our first development for Framework, an organisation that makes a real difference to those in need of support. The site was once home to the Golden Cross pub, a well-known spot for Lincoln City Football Club supporters, so it’s no surprise the project has attracted a great deal of local interest. This new development continues that tradition of serving the community, and we’re proud of the quality and care that has gone into bringing it to life.”