Whole new reality to boost town

An ‘augmented reality’ tour of Holbeach businesses is to take place as part of an initiative to boost high streets in the county.

The town and Mablethorpe have been chosen to try out the augmented virtual reality tours as part of Lincolnshire County Council’s bid to help improve town centres.
A year’s pilot on the proposals is to start in April in an aim to boost high streets with ‘points of contact’ being put in place and £3,000 grants for county councillors to spend among the initiatives.
The digital high street proposal is being developed in line with the University of Lincoln and while Mablethorpe’s will focus on its history, Holbeach’s will be about businesses.
“We’re working with ten businesses where filming has taken place working with the University of Lincoln,” county council officer Mandy Ramm told a meeting of the authority’s Economy committee.
“The businesses told their stories and they will be able to update on the app offers, all those sorts of activities.
“They’ll also be able to act collectively when there’s an event happening.
“It will enhance footfall into Holbeach.”
Holbeach county councillor Tracey Carter was vice chair of the project group that created the proposals and said the augmented reality tour was ‘nearly there’ with testing due to start in the next few weeks.
“It’s something we’ve been working on with the University of Lincoln since September” she said. “I’d like to see as many businesses as possible involved.
“From the shots I’ve seen so far, it looks brilliant.
“I can’t wait to see the finished article.
“It’s again promoting Holbeach and putting the town in the conversation.
“We’ve also been working with the university and that’s something we want to maximise and build on as a partnership.”