Lincoln BIG has announced plans for the repaving of Lincoln's
Cornhill, alongside suggestions about how the area could perform in
the future.
The Cornhill is one of the city's historic public squares and is
owned by the City of Lincoln Council which leases it to Lincoln
BIG, which uses it for activities and events.
Lincoln BIG chief executive Matt Corrigan said: "The Cornhill is
a vitally important space in the City Centre but it is looking a
bit tired. Its role at the heart of the city centre as an active
public square, and its connection to the Cornhill and Sincil Street
area, is likely to be even more crucial in the future when
the proposed Lindongate development takes off. As such, we thought
that it was important to look at its long-term future, as
well as a short-term fix, to make it fit for purpose".
In the short-term it is proposed to remove the cobbles in the
centre of the square.
"These were introduced in the 1960s, and are not of a local
material. By repaving in smooth materials to match those nearby, we
hope to create a more unified space that is more inviting for
people to walk across and better suited to a wider range of
events."
Lincoln BIG will also be replacing the electrical infrastructure
for the square, which does not meet modern requirements, with "pop
up" power supplies. This will mean that the square can continue to
host the city's civic Christmas Tree.
The works, which are expected to cost over £50,000 and are
scheduled to take place between September and mid-October, have
been grant-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
"Working closely with the City of Lincoln Council, we have been
able to negotiate grants and contributions that have covered the
cost of the works and generated the improvement, without
directly calling on a contribution from our levy payers' funds,"
said Mr Corrigan.
Councillor Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy and
Economic Regeneration, said: "Repaving the Cornhill is a key part
of developing the city centre, making it a more attractive space
for public use, much like City Square around the corner.
"It's great news that we've helped to secure external funding
for the work, which means it can be completed in preparation for
the proposed Lindongate development, with no cost to
Lincolntaxpayers."
Longer-term ideas for the square have been drawn up by
Lincoln-based regeneration consultant Globe and include ideas for
the retention, replacement or removal of the kiosk at the front of
the square,
"Although this building looks historic, it was actually built in
the 1970s. Whilst not unattractive in its own right, it
blocks off the square and views of the Corn Exchange building from
the High St.
It is also not ideally suited for its current uses," said Mr
Corrigan.
Lincoln BIG chairman Ursula Lidbetter has endorsed the
plans.
"We appreciate that the Council will be unlikely to make a
decision on this quickly in the current financial climate, and that
it is sensitive in respect of commercial leases, but that by
offering some ideas we can promote a dialogue about alternative
ways to use the space - not only in terms of income
generation but also in its role as a public space at the
heart of the city"