Plans for a revamp of Lincoln's Central Market have been approved
by city councillors
Plans for a revamp of Lincoln's Central market have been approved by city Councillors. The changes include the partial demolition and construction of a new two storey extension to the south of the building.
A new food court will be housed inside the building, and there'll be new unisex and accessible toilets. It's hoped work will start early next year.
The application for the City Square building, from the City of Lincoln Council itself, was green lit by the authority’s planning committee on Wednesday.
A final cost for the the build is not yet known, however at least £8.5 million has been requested according to documents before the Town Fund Committee earlier this month, with £5.9 million coming from the Towns Fund, while £2.6 million will come from match funding from the Heritage Action Zone, the Public Works and Loan Board and council reserves.
The council said the plans will compliment other developments in the city, including the £70 million Cornhill Quarter project and the £30 million Transport Hub.
A centrally located food court will also be housed inside the revamped building, while City Square and Sincil Street will be re-paved and the roof on the existing market building will be replaced.
During the meeting on Wednesday, Councillor Gary Hewson said: “It is a fantastic idea to make the building more attractive but also to make inside the building more attractive to people to go into.”
Councillor Chris Burke said: “This is a very sympathetic development that will add to the visitor economy and the tourist attraction… people are interested in seeing developed markets in this way.”
The toilets will form part of the Butchers Corridor demolition, along with a baby changing facility and ancillary accommodation.
Historic England has welcomed the idea of regenerating the Grade II listed market building, describing the move as an “exciting strategic initiative for heritage led regeneration in Lincoln.”
It is hoped that the works will start in early 2022.