Lincoln's newly revamped Cornhill market opens
More than 20 stallholders have signed up
Lincoln's brand new Cornhill market is now open to the public.
It opened its doors at 9am.
The market sees a newly revamped building with a 2 storey extension.
Almost 9 million pounds is being invested in the project with more than 20 stall holder signed up.
It's claimed the market will help revitalise the City centre.
There'll be an extension of opening hours with food and drink available to encourage the evening and night time economy.
Tomorrow will see family entertainment at the market.
Seeing the building with such an exciting atmosphere has been incredible
Naomi Tweddle, Leader of City of Lincoln Council said: “Seeing the building with such an exciting atmosphere has been incredible, and a taste of what’s to come for Cornhill Market’s new future.
“The funding from the government's Towns Fund programme through the 'Be Lincoln Town Deal', City of Lincoln Council and Historic England has enhanced the building’s best features and given it a new lease of life.
“We’re excited for the people of Lincoln and further afar to visit Cornhill Market and enjoy this new addition to the city centre’s atmosphere.”
David Walsh, Principal Advisor at Historic England said: “We are proud to have played a part in this marvellous project to restore the Cornhill Market."
"The renovation and adaption of the Grade II listed building has not only created a building that meets the modern needs of the city but also created a lively elevation facing City Square which is more akin to the original architect’s intentions.
“The Cornhill area has revitalised Lincoln’s city centre and I am sure that the Cornhill market will take its place among so many of Lincoln’s historic buildings in playing a vital part in the life and economy of the city.”
We hope the people of Lincolnshire and beyond enjoy the exciting new market offer
Mick Lazarus, Deputy Area Lead for Greater Lincolnshire in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, added: “It’s incredible to see how the funding from City of Lincoln Council, the government’s Be Lincoln Town Deal, and HAZ has transformed the market.
"The opened up blind arches add so much natural light into the building, and the new mezzanine level has provided more space for visitors to enjoy."
“We hope the people of Lincolnshire and beyond enjoy the exciting new market offer.”
Edward Chambers, Lindum Group Co-Chairman said: “We are delighted to have been a part of this exciting project in Lincoln city centre for our repeat client City of Lincoln Council and to see the new market opening to the public, with new retail, food, and drink traders opening soon.
“The project was a great team effort involving local suppliers as well as our own in-house colleagues, including our bespoke joinery division which manufactured the new stalls which look fantastic."
I was thinking traditional old school market and when we got in here it was just - wow
"With the new roof and opened up arches, the venue also benefits from a large amount of natural light, providing a bright and vibrant location for shoppers to browse and stop to sample the food and drink on offer.”
We spoke to traders at the market who told us:
"When I was younger I remember coming to the market so the change is just unreal."
"It look so much better - it already has a community feel."
"It wasn't what we imagined at all - I was thinking traditional old school market and when we got in here it was just - wow."
"So exciting - it's a good community around the Cornhill - seen some great people."
"It's going to be a lovely day - let's have it."