In the market for new shopping trends

Major improvement projects and essential works to encourage economic growth in Lincoln are providing a focal point for the future, while making the most of the city’s history, finds Melanie Burton.

The views of residents, traders, and stakeholders on proposals to restore and repurpose the Grade II listed Central Market building in the city centre were sought by the City of Lincoln Council. The redevelopment of the Central Market has been identified as a key project to encourage economic recovery and growth and is included as part of a funding bid and Town Investment Plan under the government’s Town Deal funding programme.

In December 2020, the council secured funding through Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme enabling initial feasibility and design works to begin. Construction works could commence later this year providing a new transformed market combining retail, food, leisure and technology.

The scheme will aim to reinvent the market, with greater opportunities to showcase a variety of traders and local produce, in order to respond to changing needs and shopping trends.

City of Lincoln Council and its design team have referenced a number of excellent precedents in other UK towns and cities including Doncaster, Altrincham and Scarborough, which have successfully transformed their markets with great success.

The proposals include a reconfigured market hall with both new and refurbished stalls catering for food and non-food retail and a central food court area giving people a place to sit and enjoy a bite, as well as a return to original designs, replicating the look of the market stalls when the site was originally opened in 1938.

It is also planned to open up existing stone arches to the north and east elevations by replacing the stone with glazing to allow natural light and visibility from inside and outside the market hall.

In addition there will be a complete redesign of City Square, with outdoor seating for patrons of the market hall, and a place for people to meet friends and spend some leisure time by the riverside with new hard surfacing, street furniture, lighting and tree planting.

Leader at City of Lincoln Council, Councillor Ric Metcalfe said: “We understand that these are difficult times for the High Street, however we also believe that a vibrant market can be a strong attraction for Lincoln and will help to showcase the best that the city has to offer.”

Following the allocation of £1m of Town Deal Accelerated Funding to City of Lincoln Council, works on the second phase of the Lincoln Cornhill public realm across Cornhill Square are underway and are expected to be completed by summer 2021.

These works will significantly upgrade the existing paving and include street furniture and associated drainage works to the quality standard of the recently refurbished Cornhill Pavement immediately to the east, and improve connectivity between the Transport Hub, regenerated Cornhill Quarter and the High Street.

Capital Projects Manager for City of Lincoln Council, Maria Clayton said: “Upgrading the space will provide a flexible, high quality environment which can be fully utilised for events, performances, outdoor trading, markets and pavement cafes as well as providing an attractive place to sit and dwell.”

Throughout construction works, the council’s main contractor, Lindum Construction will ensure that vehicular and pedestrian access around Cornhill Square is maintained at all times for local businesses and the public.

Councillor Metcalfe added: “This work marks an exciting chapter in the ongoing redevelopment of the Cornhill Quarter, sparked by the development of the Lincoln Transport Hub and the Cornhill Redevelopment Project led by Lincolnshire Co-operative. This is good news for the city in this highly popular area.”

Lindum contracts manager Mark Leason, who will be managing the project, said: “For the last few years we’ve been working with Lincolnshire Co-op to regenerate the Corn Exchange and Sincil Street. We are delighted to now be working with the council to update the public realm, which forms a gateway from the High Street to the Cornhill Quarter.

“Once complete, this project will refresh the area and will blend in with the walkways through to Exchange Square.”

Other areas of the city are also set to benefit from a new lease of life. Permanent repairs are being carried out over the next few months at Lincoln Castle situated in the uphill tourism area of the city. Ground anchor trials and preliminary work was carried out after the award of a £1 million Heritage Stimulus Grant from Historic England.

Scaffolding was used for the temporary works on the western bank and walls behind the Victoria pub and at a number of car parks. The updating of the drainage under the west gate ramp is also being carried out.

Matthew Stapleton, Senior Project Manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The grant from Historic England will be used to protect and maintain the western bank – keeping it stable for years to come, plus a number of other projects around the castle walls, all of which will help us to preserve the castle for future generations.”

A project to restore Boultham Park lakes is also going ahead over the next four months and will see the installation of below water aeration equipment to improve water quality, bank restoration works, lake edge and woodland under-storey planting, footpath improvements, the provision of fishing pegs and access for occasional boating.

The Lake Restoration Project, which is being funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered in partnership with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, is focused on biodiversity, and the work that takes place will encourage healthy plant and animal life to flourish in and around the lake.

As part of the project, five special metal artworks and information panels (lecterns) will be installed. These will be located at points around the lake, adjacent to the lake path.

Councillor Bob Bushell, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place at City of Lincoln Council said: “The aim of this project is to breathe new life back into the area and maximise the park’s great potential for quiet reflection and contemplation in a beautiful and flourishing wildlife setting.”

City of Lincoln Council is also working in partnership with Heritage Lincolnshire to bring the Grade I listed Greyfriars building back into use as a heritage attraction and venue.

Initial support has been received from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the ‘Re-Imagining Greyfriars: 800 years of stories in the making’ project, which aims to repair the Grade I listed building to conserve and repurpose it. The project will include opportunities for people to engage with, and learn about, Greyfriars, both on site and digitally.

Heritage Lincolnshire will work with both universities in Lincoln, schools, volunteers and other local groups to deliver a programme of research, recording, temporary exhibitions, tours, talks and events over the next 12 months. These pilot activities will help the organisation plan what will be done during the next stage of the project and when the work is finished.

Greyfriars may be the oldest surviving Franciscan Church in Western Europe. Just 30 years after Franciscan rule was drawn up by St Francis of Assisi, Franciscans were given their first plot of land in Lincoln, which at its height included a range of buildings across the four-acre site.

Much of the building as it stands today dates from the late 1230s. After monastic properties in Lincoln were surrendered to the crown in 1539, the Greyfriars site was converted to a private dwelling, being turned into a free school a generation later, at which point it was also bequeathed to the city.

During this phase many of the other buildings on the site were dismantled and additions were made, including the installation of fireplaces to heat the site and glass for upgrading the windows for the school.

The upper floor was used as a free school, then the Lincoln Grammar School until 1900, while the vaulted undercroft had a variety of largely unrelated uses, including storage, as a house of correction, a wool factory, jersey school and Mechanics’ Institute.

In the early 20th century, the building was restored for use as a museum. This occupied the building for almost a century before moving to a purpose-built site nearby in 2004. Since then the building has been empty with occasional use for temporary arts exhibitions.

Councillor Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Historic Environment Advocate, said: “Greyfriars is a much loved heritage spot in the city, and to be able to breathe new life into this building is great news. Over the years the building has had a number of uses, from a school to most recently a museum.

“We look forward to sharing this important history and restoring the building to its former glory.”

Greg Pickup, CEO of Heritage Lincolnshire said: “As the most active building preservation trust in the region we believe that saving this internationally important building, and giving it a new use which utilises cutting-edge technology to tell 800 years of stories, will engage a new generation in Lincolnshire’s heritage.”

Dr Kelcey Wilson-Lee, Head of Programmes and Impact at the Architectural Heritage Fund said: “Greyfriars is a site of exceptional importance in telling the story of Lincoln and through this project, that story will be newly accessible to the local community, inspiring civic pride and preventing the blight of dereliction.

“The role that Heritage Lincolnshire, an established expert in conserving and adapting historic buildings for reuse, is playing in this partnership showcases the potential for specialist organisations to help towns and cities maximise the potential of their historic buildings.”

NET ZERO PLEDGE
The issue of climate change might have taken a back seat in terms of headlines since the pandemic hit but it is very much at the forefront of plans for the future as far as Lincoln is concerned.

Leader at City of Lincoln Council, Councillor Ric Metcalfe, has pledged that the city will achieve net zero and eliminate carbon emissions faster than the current government target.

In 2019, the UK parliament passed legislation to bring all greenhouse gases to net zero by 2050 to keep in line with the commitments made in the Paris Agreement and hold the expected rise in the global average. UK100 is the only network in the UK for locally elected leaders who have pledged to play their part in the global effort to avoid the worst impacts of climate change by switching to 100% clean energy by 2050, and their Net Zero Pledge is an even bolder set of principles to show commitment to action on climate change in collaboration with other local leaders across the UK.

City of Lincoln Council declared a climate emergency in July 2019, a motion which included a commitment to achieve a net zero carbon target by 2030.

It also worked with the Lincoln Climate Commission, which emerged from a collaboration between the council, Siemens, Transition Lincoln and the University of Lincoln, to produce the Roadmap to (net) Zero Carbon Lincoln which sets out Lincoln’s current Green House Gas emissions and projections for 2030.

Cllr Metcalfe said: “We look forward to sharing knowledge with UK100 members to translate ambition into concrete action in 2021, the year of COP26.

“We will also continue to work with the Lincoln Climate Commission to deliver local action on climate change to reach our ambitious targets set out in the Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration.”

IMP TRAIL
Summertime in the city promises to be extra colourful when the ‘stars’ of the Lincoln Imp Trail are allowed out to play.

Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus, organiser Lincoln BIG is confident that the trail – which is now set to run from 3rd July to 8th September – can be enjoyed by residents and visitors, provided they respect social distancing rules.

Lincoln BIG chief executive, Sarah Loftus said: “It was a shame that we had to postpone the trail last year but, although it has been delayed due to the pandemic, we are sure people will agree that it has been well worth waiting for.

“We’ve had amazing support from the business community and organisations which have individually sponsored an Imp. Between September 9th and 23rd there will be a Farewell to the Imps event at Lincoln Castle and the trail will culminate in an amazing auction on October 1st, which will raise money for our charity partner St Barnabas Hospice and the Lincoln Creates Fund.”

The Trail is being promoted on social media channels and people are urged to follow on Facebook: @LincolnImpTrail; Twitter @LincImpTrail and Instagram – lincolnimptrail or they can visit the dedicated website online at www.lincolnimptrail.co.uk

In common with previous trails, Lincoln BIG has also teamed up with The Education Business Partnership (EBP) to encourage the involvement of local schools and their pupils.

The EBP would welcome hearing from businesses which have an interest in education and are keen to get involved in the Imp Trail’s Education Programme. More than 40 county schools have already signed up to take part in the programme – which is being delivered in partnership with the University of Lincoln, Bishop Grosseteste University and the Waterside Shopping Centre and supported by Lincoln Digs, Galliford Try and LiNCHigher.

The EBP acknowledges that the cost of participation can sometimes prove to be a barrier. The Partnership has already sourced business support for several schools and the teachers and students have been thrilled to be able to take part. The cost is £849 (plus VAT where applicable) and this price is already subsidised by their programme sponsor.

Support from other businesses will enable more schools to take part in the programme, with this covering the cost of an Imp sculpture and full education resource pack, with links to the National Curriculum and Ofsted framework. Schools will be able to let their creativity run wild on the sculptures before they are added to this summer’s Lincoln Imp Trail in venues across the city centre.

To find out more, please contact Emma Welbourn at: emma.welbourn@the-ebp.co.uk

DISTINCTIVE KITCHEN DESIGNS TO ENHANCE YOUR HOME
Creating quality bespoke kitchens is at the heart of Chris Sharp Cabinets’ outstanding customer service.

Based in Lincoln, Chris Sharp Cabinets works closely with customers to help create tailor-made dream kitchens which not only match their budget and lifestyle but individual tastes too.
“Our specialist design team are committed to listening to our customers and discussing their different requirements while working together to deliver the kitchen of their dreams,” explains managing director Paul Kettleborough.

“With families enjoying spending more time at home, socialising together in a comfortable, well designed kitchen space which reflects their individual lifestyle has never been more important. With recent travel and hospitality restrictions due to Covid-19, we have found that increasingly people are making the decision to invest in their homes.”

Specialist services
With more than 30 years’ experience, the team at Chris Sharp Cabinets have long been established as specialists in their field offering peace of mind for a job well done. Whether you’re looking for a modern or classic design, they provide expert advice to help transform your home, while also managing any building work necessary to create the space.

“Every single kitchen we make is bespoke, manufactured in our own workshops and carefully fitted by our skilled team of installers,” explains Paul. “We offer an unrivalled personal service and a collection of distinctive designs with fantastic, innovative functionality and streamlined space to make the most of every inch, but without breaking the bank.”

Individual kitchens are constructed using the latest computer technology offering customers the chance to “walk around” their new kitchen before it is built.

Inspiring ideas
Free from the limitations of the ‘High Street’ packages, Chris Sharp Cabinets also offers a free, no obligation home visit by an experienced designer. Here you can discuss your needs and talk through inspiring ideas to create a unique space at the heart of your home.

At its modern showroom just off the A15, close to the Lincolnshire Showground, in-house designers will guide you around a wide choice of examples of fitted kitchen layouts on display with a range of quality appliances and materials to help you choose a design which perfectly suits and enhances your family’s needs for many years to come.

For more information visit Chris Sharp Cabinets Ltd, Tillbridge Lane, Scampton, Lincoln LN1 2SX, Tel: 01522 504506, www.cscbespokekitchens.co.uk

COUNTRY COURT CARE RESIDENTS RECEIVE VACCINATIONS
Staff and residents at Country Court Care & Nursing Homes in the Lincoln area were delighted to receive their first Covid-19 vaccinations in January.

“Our staff and residents have been very patiently awaiting the moment that we can start to receive the vaccine,” said Susannah Barker-Milan, Home Manager at Eccleshare Court Care & Nursing Home.

“We certainly see this as a step in the right direction back to normality. I’d like to thank all of our residents, staff and family members for their understanding and fortitude during what has been a difficult time for everyone. We are now starting to look forward to receiving guidance for welcoming families and visitors back to our care home.”

So far more than 200 staff and residents have received the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccination at the four care and nursing homes: – Eccleshare Court Care & Nursing Home, Swanholme Court Care Home and Ruckland Court Care Home and Neale Court Care Home in North Hykeham.

“We are delighted that the vaccine rollout has started in our care homes,” said Alykhan Kachra, Co-CEO at Country Court.

“Our homes have always been places where people can feel safe and secure, and now residents and staff have the added reassurance of receiving the Covid-19 vaccination.

“Together with ongoing regular testing, this will give staff, residents and their families much-needed comfort and peace of mind.”

For more information about Country Court Care & Nursing Homes contact Susannah Barker-Milan, Home Manager at Eccleshare Court 01522 695458 and Swanholme Court 01522 689400; Lisa Dent, Home Manager at Ruckland Court 01522 530217; or Becky Hunt Home Manager at Neale Court 01522 682201 or email: info@countrycourtcare.com

QUALITY SERVICE AND EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS
With more than 50 years’ experience of creating quality furnishings for homes across the county and beyond, Roger Davis Interiors offers an outstanding choice of fabrics, wallcoverings, curtains, fittings and blinds.

The business is under the sole supervision of Adrian Davis, one of the founders, who has always maintained personal contact with customers from start to finish.

During lockdown periods the showroom has had to remain closed but you can still experience the benefits of all that Roger Davis Interiors has to offer. Adrian and his team will gladly bring you samples to view in your home, or office, help you choose, provide a quotation and follow up with fitting.

The company is not only a partner of Gimmersta Wallpaper, the trading title of Sandberg Wallpaper and Rebel Walls, but has also been appointed as a Cole & Son Partner – the only stockist in Lincolnshire giving you full access to the complete range of wallpapers from these two leading manufacturers.

When the showroom is permitted to open you will discover a range of high quality blinds, curtains, wallpapers, poles and tracks that you will be hard pressed to find anywhere.

The full advice, measuring and fitting service is always available with curtain and roman blind making of the highest standard using only the best materials and components.

Adrian and his team take pride in the finished result and have many glowing testimonials to echo the fact that this is achieved. It is this combination of quality of service and exclusive products which sets the company apart.

Contact Adrian on 01522 531371, 07880 732251 or email: info@rogerdavisinteriors.com or: adrian@rogerdavisinteriors.com

FREEDOM TO ROAM WITH BURTON MOBILITY
As a local business with a collective experience of 50 years in sales, service and repair within the mobility industry, we at Burton Mobility can help you find the independence you desire. We offer a helpful, caring and individual service to improve the lifestyle, health and mobility of our customers.

We are a family-run business established back in 2006, and our business has gone from strength to strength thanks to our loyal customer base. Located in South Hykeham, Lincoln, we provide sales, service, repair, and hire solutions to the Lincolnshire area and beyond.

Our aim is to provide a brilliant aftercare service to customers new and old – you can be assured that you and your products are in safe hands. Our qualified service team pride themselves on the products, attention to detail and care they provide. We are continuously training and refreshing our skills to make sure our customers get the best technicians in the field.

For further information contact Burton Mobility, Unit 19 Roman Way, Gateway Park, South Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 9UH. Tel: 01522 509781.

Opening times: 9am-4pm Monday to Friday, Saturday by appointment only, subject to change at the present time.

Visit the website at www.burton-mobility.co.uk to see the range of products and services available.

SAY GOODBYE TO STUMPS!
Based in Lincoln, Stump Beaver is a highly regarded professional independent stump removal business which offers customers eco-friendly, efficient and effective solutions for both commercial and domestic projects, as well as remedial work if required.

“We treat every job individually, putting customers’ needs first and pride ourselves on a job well done,” says Ed, owner of Stump Beaver.

“We work throughout Lincolnshire, Humberside, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire. Using our full range of stump grinders, we offer the best solution to our customers and, whatever the size or location, we always leave each job neat and tidy as if working in our own garden. We enjoy seeing customers continue their outdoor projects or garden designs with a smile on their face.

“We have been fortunate to have been able to keep working throughout the pandemic and in order to do this have had a strict Covid-19 working policy in place which follows HM Government guidelines to keep our customers and ourselves as safe as possible.

“We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone the best of health and to take care and stay safe in these challenging times.”

For more information visit www.stumpbeaver.co.uk

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD
Established more than 40 years ago, Lincoln Print & Copy Centre’s highly skilled team aim to deliver the best solutions for businesses looking to get the word out.

Director Karen Arnold says that she has noticed an increasing number of people setting up their own business in an effort to “try and turn a difficult situation into a positive”.

“The difficulties most new businesses face is trying to get their ideas out of their head and into reality,” she explains.

“Some have an idea of what they want, but not the skills or software to do it, while others have an idea, but can’t picture what will best represent their business.

“Our experienced design team have worked in print for many years so we understand what’s required in the worlds of commerce, industry, hospitality, culture and tourism. We can discuss branding and logos, what will attract and inform customers and have contacts to help with marketing and websites.

“We can make a difference by doing as much or as little as customers need to fit their budget and growth plans and understand how design can get the company message across while making sure that the most important information doesn’t get lost.”

For more information visit www.lincolncopycentre.co.uk

POPLAR TREE SERVICES DELIVERS EXPERT SOLUTIONS
With more than 60 years’ experience between them, the team at Poplar Tree Services offer expert solutions for all aspects of arboriculture work, including tree felling, pruning, forestry, land clearance and hedge trimming throughout Lincolnshire and surrounding areas.

The business, which is based in Lincoln and also offers a 24/7 emergency call-out service, has a reputation for reliability, a keen eye for detail and efficiency, no matter what size of project, and will ensure that every job is left in an immaculate condition.

“We provide a free, no-obligation quotation for every job and guarantee you will not be able to get better value elsewhere,” explains Dan Wray, who says his team can provide rope access work, mobile elevated platforms, crane work, chipper operation, land clearance and much more.

“From your first consultation, we tailor our service to meet your exact requirements and we remove waste timber and foliage for the perfect finish.”

For more information visit www.lincolnshiretreesurgeons.co.uk

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL COMPANY OFFERING QUALITY TIMBER PRODUCTS
B Knight & Son Ltd is a well-established family firm supplying quality timber items and manufactured designs from sustainable sources throughout the East Midlands.

Products include domestic and commercial fencing, bespoke gates, garage doors, treated softwoods, hardwoods and building materials to the retail and trade sectors, plus a range of garden furniture, decking and cabins.

B Knight & Son Ltd also supplies firewood, woodworking tools, ironmongery and treatments for all your timber products.

Situated in Langworth on the A158, between Lincoln and Wragby, the company’s skilled on-site team offer a personal and knowledgeable service, also supplying bespoke designs and items not available over the counter. From design advice to fitting the finished product, there is nothing too small or too ambitious to challenge them!

Now is the ideal time to order your log cabin or shed to make the most of summer 2021.

For examples and images of products and services visit www.b-knightandson.co.uk or their Facebook page which is updated regularly.

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