City surges ahead

Excitement is growing throughout Lincoln as major redevelopment work in all corners of the city takes shape.
Activity around the Central Market and City Square is progressing well and the proposed development at St Marks has reached the planning application stage.

Coupled with the fact that ambitious plans are in the pipeline to improve the visitor experience at Lincoln Cathedral, which will have a major impact on the local economy, the city is positively buzzing.

Changes in the layout of indoor stalls at the Central Market have already been made and a fresh produce offer has also been introduced for shoppers outside in City Square.

There are also plans to develop longer-term changes for the area with the aim of creating a focal point for indoor and outdoor market activity.

Lincoln BIG chief executive Matt Corrigan said: “There are so many large projects still in the pipeline, but this year shoppers and visitors really should start to see the benefits of all this investment in time and money to ensure Lincoln continues to thrive and attract more businesses, shoppers and tourists.”

The new transport hub and changes to the Cornhill Quarter, which includes the Central Market and City Square, will make a difference and improvements to Sincil Street will smarten up an important gateway to this niche shopping area.

Phase One of the Cornhill Quarter redevelopment has already attracted the attention of new businesses for the city.

Following the opening of the new East-West Link Road, new businesses are expected to snap up refurbished units along Tentercroft Street and the work to bring forward new developments on the first of the vacant plots will start on site at the end of the year.

Work could begin in 2020 on the proposed development at St Marks if planning permission is granted and other key milestones are achieved.

A planning application for the scheme has now been submitted to Lincoln City Council by owner Standard Life Investments.

The proposed development will create a more comprehensive and cohesive mixed-use scheme at St Marks to complement Lincoln’s existing retail offer and improve the links to the High Street and the University of Lincoln.

The proposals include an enhanced retail offer, new leisure space and enhanced and increased public realm, improved car parking, and a combination of student and residential accommodation.

The key changes will include the provision of:
• up to 485,000 sq ft of new retail and leisure
• up to 150 new residential units
• up to 1,100 new student residences
• a hotel of up to 130 rooms
• a car park of up to 1,100 spaces

The application includes the west side of the retail park where Toys ‘R’ Us and Homebase are currently located, as well as the partial reconfiguration of the east side of St Marks.

Last November’s public consultation received overwhelming local support with nearly 90% of people who provided feedback on the proposals saying they welcomed the development.

David Stewart of Standard Life Investments said: “We’re confident that our proposals have the potential to significantly enhance this important gateway to the city centre by attracting new retailers, creating new investment and housing, and generating between 1,400 and 2,000 new jobs in Lincoln. We’re very encouraged by the positive reaction we’ve received to date from local people.”

This year should see the completion of several key University of Lincoln investments across the campus including the Sarah Swift building, which will provide the link from the main campus to the High Street south of the railway crossing.

The start of the 2016/17 academic year brought a momentous anniversary for the University: marking twenty years since Her Majesty the Queen opened the first building on the Brayford Pool Campus.

It was a fitting time to reflect on the institution’s progress over the past two decades, as the University has just experienced its most successful year to date, with its largest ever intake of new students and a top ten national ranking for teaching quality and student experience.

The coming year will bring the completion of a series of major capital projects on the campus with more than £130 million currently being invested to enhance the University’s teaching, learning and research environment.

Major additions due for completion ready for the start of the 2017/18 academic year also include the Isaac Newton Building as well as the Sarah Swift Building.

Providing a new home for the Schools of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics and Physics, the £28 million Isaac Newton Building will create world-class teaching and learning space while growing the University’s strategic partnership with Siemens.

Meanwhile the Sarah Swift Building will bring together the Schools of Health and Social Care and Psychology.

The £19 million facility will provide tutorial, social learning and office space as well as advanced clinical simulation facilities for the School’s Nursing programmes.

The start of the 2017/18 academic year will also see the University welcome its first students to the new School of Geography. As the UK’s newest academic department for teaching and research in Geography it will lead the way in advancing knowledge of the inhabited Earth, environmental health, water and climate change.

Just outside the city at the University’s Riseholme Campus, expertise from across a range of subjects spanning agri-robotics to zoology have been brought together in the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology to tackle current and future challenges facing the agricultural and food manufacturing industries.

Officially launched in December 2016 at an event with BBC Countryfile presenter Tom Heap, LIAT is working to support and enhance productivity, efficiency and sustainability in food and farming ‘from farm to fork’ through innovative research and new educational courses, including a new postgraduate course starting in September, the MSc Agri-food Technology.

Up in the city’s main tourist area, ambitious plans to revamp Lincoln Cathedral’s visitor experience and protect it for years to come have received a massive boost with a grant of more than £1 million.

The David Ross Foundation approved a £1.5 million grant towards the Lincoln Cathedral Connected Project as part of the £16 million investment plan, which will see work on the Cathedral’s visitor facilities, public spaces and conservation, to be completed by 2021.

The development stage of the Lincoln Cathedral Connected Project is now complete and confirmation of the delivery stage funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund is being awaited.

The funds donated by The David Ross Foundation will provide vital match funding and will be used towards the Learning and Discovery wing of the Cathedral project, to be called the David PJ Ross Education Centre.

This builds on the success of the David PJ Ross Magna Carta Vault opened in 2015, which was also made possible by a donation from The David Ross Foundation.

Mr Ross said: “I am very pleased to be supporting this project and will look forward to working with Lincoln Cathedral, the Historic Lincoln Trust and The David Ross Education Trust on such an iconic project. We look forward to organising a programme of activities for schools in the future.”

The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln, said: “Lincoln Cathedral Connected is an exciting and ambitious project that will greatly enhance the visitor experience and shape the future of the Cathedral.

“We are delighted that The David Ross Foundation has chosen to support this project with such generosity. It will greatly benefit visitors, staff and the wider community, contributing a further boost to the local economy. It is wonderful to receive this significant encouragement and we look forward to getting started.”

The Revd Canon John Patrick, Subdean of Lincoln Cathedral, said: “The Connected project builds upon the legacy of ‘Lincoln Castle Revealed’ and the David PJ Ross Magna Carta Vault, which have been transformative for the city, acting as a catalyst for partnership working between the Cathedral and County Council.

“We cannot thank David enough for his continued patronage of Lincolnshire’s heritage.”

ARRIVAL OF NEW SERVICE
A new Park and Ride service has launched in Lincoln and is operating from the city’s Waitrose store.

It is being operated by Lincoln Business Improvement Group (Lincoln BIG) in partnership with Stagecoach East Midlands and the supermarket, with the support of the City of Lincoln Council and Lincolnshire County Council.

The service is available six days a week, from Monday to Saturday inclusive, with the first bus leaving Waitrose from just before 7am and the last return bus departing the city centre at 6.20pm.

The service uses a combination of dedicated vehicles alongside existing local bus services to provide a bus normally every fifteen minutes, although services at peak times early and late in the day may vary.

All buses clearly state on the destination screen that they serve the Waitrose Park and Ride service.

Parking at Waitrose is free and the Adult daily return fare is £2.50. The charge is payable on the bus. Accompanied children also travel free.

Local people within walking distance of the stop can also use the service to and from Waitrose, the city centre and Cathedral Quarter for the same fare. They don’t have to park to benefit from the service.

Stagecoach Bus passes and deals are also valid on the service, including the Lincoln BIG commuter bus pass.

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AND AN EYE FOR FASHION AND FLAIR
City centre based, award-winning Martin Smith Opticians will be holding their next Open Days on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 14th and 15th. These popular events attract not only existing clients but are also the perfect opportunity for new customers to meet the team, browse designer frame collections and enjoy a complimentary style consultation.

Dr Martin Smith won the Association of Optometrists (AOP) Optometrist of the Year 2015/16 and is one of the first Doctors of Optometry in the country. “It was an ambition, very early in my career, to run my own practice and it has given me the freedom to pursue my areas of expertise and further my studies. Feedback from customers appreciating our diagnosis, treatment and care tells me we are on the right track,” said Dr Smith.

Excellence in eye care goes hand in hand with sourcing exciting and stylish eyewear for clients.

“We go above and beyond the usual High Street offerings to find exclusive collections which are distinctive, well designed and inspiring,” said Sue Edwards, the practice manager. “Our Open Days are a wonderful opportunity to view the new season’s frame collections, as well as have the benefit of a fresh approach to your eyewear styling. In addition, for these two days, we are giving 10% off frames and 10% off lenses. These designs will only be here on the 14th and 15th March so book early for your exclusive viewing and consultation.”

Designer collections by Calvin Klein Platinum, Chloé, Skaga, Diane Von Furstenberg, Etro, and Lacoste are amongst the leading European and international ranges which will be shown.

The practice is located in Saltergate, Lincoln, close to the Stonebow and offers clients a truly personal approach to their eye care. All sight tests are performed by Dr Smith, while Sue and her colleague Sally, both experienced and qualified FBDO Dispensing Opticians, manage the individual dispensing. Clients receive a warm welcome to the practice or on the telephone from receptionist Jennifer and colleague Mandy, while Rachel is the styling expert.

“If you are looking for a service which really understands and values you as a client and can provide quality and choice, then please call in or ring for an appointment. We look forward to meeting you.”

Martin Smith Opticians, 22 Saltergate, Lincoln LN2 1DH, Tel: 01522 521100, www.martin smithopticians.co.uk; hello@martin smithopticians; or message us on facebook

HIGH STREET SUCCESS
The name PANDORA has become a household name around the globe and its meteoric rise in popularity has coincided with the success of a Lincoln jewellers that is the only one of its kind.

Faze Four in Lincoln’s High Street is part of the family run business Moore & Scrupps Jewellers which began in 1998 and has been a trusted name in the jewellery industry for more than fifteen years. It also has stores in Sleaford, Newark and Bourne.

“There are four shops in total in Lincolnshire but Faze Four is the only one of its kind,” said shop manager Laura Cornwell.

“The others are traditional jewellers but we are contemporary jewellers with a slightly different take and are aimed at a different market.

“Faze Four was opened with the intention of focusing on high quality, contemporary jewellery from brands such as PANDORA.

“As a business, we have stocked PANDORA for ten years and we are very pleased to have been able to grow with it over the years and see it go from strength to strength.”

When Faze Four opened its doors back in 2009 the PANDORA brand was relatively unknown and the shop stocked a small selection of PANDORA products and a handful of other brands such as Ti Sento Milano and Dower & Hall.

It grew so quickly it started stocking more than fifteen well-known brands such as Emozioni, Hot Diamond, ChloBo and more as well as an extensive range of PANDORA and a wide range of watches from worldwide brands.

It now has a new name on its shelves which only came out at the end of last year.

“We are always on the lookout for the ‘next big thing’ in jewellery and over the years we have come to stock a brilliant range of contemporary jewellery,” said Laura.

The most recent addition is a fabulous new range called ‘Anais’ – a beautiful locket concept from the makers of Hot Diamonds which we expected to be a big hit over Christmas.

Sales of PANDORA, Hot Diamond and Chlobo products did well over the Christmas period.

“But Anais only came out at the end of the year and it took off a lot quicker than we thought it would,” said Laura.

“ChloBo, which we have stocked for a couple of years, also took off and it is nice that a couple of brands are in the race now as well as PANDORA.”

Faze Four also offers a repairs service for both jewellery and watches including replacement batteries, minor repair and engraving at its Sleaford workshop and more extensive repairs through its specialist goldsmith.

BLINDED BY WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE
The sun’s UV rays can damage skin. Did you know they can also harm integral parts of your eye? UV radiation increases the odds of getting cataracts – a clouding of the lens inside the eye which leads to diminished eyesight. It has also been linked to macular degeneration – a treatable but incurable disease to the part of the retina that is essential for sharp vision.

UV damage builds up over time. You don’t feel UV rays, so there is no natural warning that damage is being done. Although clouds reduce the level of UV they don’t block UV completely – which means your eyes can be exposed to UV rays even on overcast days.

Sunlight that bounces off highly reflective surfaces such as snow, water, sand or pavement can be especially dangerous.

Sunglasses play a vital role in shielding the fragile tissue around the eye. Most sunglasses block some UV but specialist lens materials filter out 100% of all UVA, B and C. The protection is built into the lens material so it can’t scratch off and leave your dilated pupils exposed to a UV leak.

Clear View Opticians are sports lens specialists and can produce sports specific prescription lenses to enhance your vision, clear or tinted. Whether it’s road, grass, trail, water or snow specific lenses to optimise your vision in all sporting conditions.

You don’t need to be a professional sports person. We also look after your children too, offering children’s prescription swimming or ski goggles.

For any advice with regards to your sporting needs please contact us at the practice. Clear View Opticians, 169 Burton Road, Lincoln LN13LW, 01522 542121, enquiries@clearviewopticians.co.uk.

FULLERS FORESTRY
Fullers Landscaping is a local family run business that prides itself on designing and creating gardens that suit each individual client’s budget, regardless of their garden’s size and shape.

Ed Fuller has built up his company over the last sixteen years to provide specialised services in landscaping, garden design, forestry and garden maintenance. Ed started his business after studying Forestry Woodland Management and when he began he started with small-scale gardening. However he has progressed to employ a team of highly skilled landscapers who can create anything from low maintenance gardens with artificial grass to romantic cottage gardens and state-of-the-art ultra-contemporary gardens.

Ed can help to transform your outdoor space into a beautiful haven. “With every job we work closely with the clients to create their perfect garden and help them to use their space more wisely. This can be through innovative and inventive designs, or by making some small changes that can make a big impact,” says Ed.

As well as providing bespoke landscaping services Fullers also offer tree surgery and gardening services. To find out more contact Ed on 07867 510544 or visit Fullers website www.landscapinglincolnshire.com to see photographs of their work and read testimonials.

KNIGHTS ARE COMING TO LIFE
Talented artists are hard at work bringing to life the thirty-five sculptures which will feature in this summer’s Lincoln Knights’ Trail – which promises to be a major attraction for both local residents and tourists.

People can see the progress being made on decorating the sculptures by going along to one of five locations – the Waterside Shopping Centre (outside NEXT), St Marks Shopping Centre (next to Costa Coffee), the Central Market, Ruddocks of Lincoln and Daisy Made in Skellingthorpe – up until 3rd March.

The Lincoln Knights’ Trail is a Wild in Art event, brought together by Lincoln BIG in partnership with Visit Lincoln and the Education Business Partnership (EBP) in support of local homeless charity The Nomad Trust.

The sculptures at the centre of this mass participation art event have been sponsored by local businesses and organisations and they will form a trail across the city, creating a fun, free, journey of discovery during the summer. They will commemorate and celebrate the 800th anniversary of The Battle of Lincoln and The Charter of the Forest.

The fully decorated sculptures will be unveiled to the media on 27th March in the city’s Waterside Shopping Centre, before their public installation on 20th May.

Lincoln BIG chief executive Matt Corrigan said: “Lincoln BIG is very proud to be bringing another interactive public art event to Lincoln, following the incredible success and popularity of the 2015 Barons’ Charter Trail, which brought £1 million into the local economy.

“We have had such incredible interest in The Knights’ Trail since we announced it was coming to Lincoln and individuals and businesses alike want to be part of it. It’s a fantastic way to bring the city together and highlight two very important events in Lincoln’s history.”

After the official launch each Knight will go ‘on tour’ – being hosted by its sponsor to promote the forthcoming trail which starts on 20th May.

The Knights will reunite at Lincoln Castle from 20th-27th September, before being auctioned at Lincoln Cathedral on 30th September. Two-thirds of the money raised will go to the charity partner The Nomad Trust, while the other third will be used to create a new Art and Innovation Fund for the city.

PUTTING THE PATIENT FIRST
Walters Opticians are an Independent family run business established by Roy and Anna Walters in January 1998 with practices located in Market Place, Gainsborough and Hykeham Green Shopping Centre, North Hykeham, Lincoln.

Walters Opticians’ aim is to always put the patient first and offer high quality service.

Walters Opticians offers a comprehensive eye examination, backed up with an extensive range of ophthalmic equipment including retinal photography.

Contact lens specialist Karen Everatt is on hand to offer expert advice on contact lenses, both clinically and to suit a customer’s needs and lifestyle. Contact lenses have many advantages, especially when taking part in sport and outdoor activities. They can be particularly good for children and teenagers, helping with self-esteem and issues associated with spectacle wear.

New for 2017 is the Dry Eye Clinic. “Dry eye disease is a reduction in the volume of tears and the quality of the tear film,” explained manager Reagan Kate Wright. “Dry eye effects a third of the UK population. There are many different possible causes of dry eye disease, such as lifestyle, prolonged computer use, stress, diet and extended contact lens wear and certain eye surgeries.”

TIMELESS CLASSIC TO FASHION ICON
The Chesterfield design has been a classic for over 300 years. During the last few years it has become a fashion icon as well. With the emergence of new colour ranges and a resurgence in design around the home, the Chesterfield not only remains as a stylish and comfortable lounge suite but a statement piece in any room. Chesterfields in Lincoln have broadened their range of designs and colourways to reflect this. Many more people are moving away from the traditional three-piece suite of sofa and two chairs to mixing and matching designs, colours as well as a mix of fabric and leather. The bespoke service offered by Chesterfields in Lincoln is also proving popular, offering the ability to fine tune the size and shape of the furniture to the customer, doing away with having to compromise on comfort.

For your design icon – 01673 866656.

LINCOLN’S HISTORIC GUILDHALL
Buildings have occupied the site of the Guildhall since the third century. A gate to the city stood on this site in the tenth century throughout the Danish occupation of Lincoln, and a gate and city walls were still in existence in 1217 which prevented the escape of the French troops during the Battle of Lincoln Fair.

The Mayor and Guild first used the buildings that stood here in 1237 to make decisions on the running of the city after King Henry III gave their buildings and land in the city to the Greyfriars. They used the rooms above the Southern gate where the current building now stands until the year 1390, when King Richard II ordered the city to rebuild the gateway.

In the year 1521, the City Council minutes record that the inner chamber of the Guildhall was first used by the Mayor and Aldermen to meet in a secret Council where decisions were made without the knowledge of the Full Council. An iconic building which has spanned the path of Ermine Street for almost 500 years, Lincoln’s historic Guildhall is a hidden gem in the centre of the city and well worth the visit!

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