February 12, 2015 5.25 pm This story is over 109 months old

Joseph Banks Conservatory set for demolition in The Lawn revamp

The Lawn revamp: The Joseph Banks Conservatory at The Lawn in Lincoln is set for demolition as the landmark is redeveloped.
The Joseph Banks Conservatory at The Lawn in Lincoln. Photo: Richard Croft

The Joseph Banks Conservatory at The Lawn in Lincoln is set for demolition as the landmark is redeveloped.

The Grade II listed building, which sits on Union Road near the Cathedral Quarter was purchased by bidders R W Stokes in November, after being put up for sale by the City Council earlier in the year.

In order to create more car parking spaces, the City Council is proposing to extend the existing car park. This would include the demolition of the existing Joseph Banks Conservatory.

The council has held discussions with the Joseph Banks Society with a view to developing a proposal to build a new conservatory adjacent to the Dawber Gardens.

The society is now looking at ways to raise funds for the project.

R W Stokes plan to make The Lawn an operational outlet for Stokes Tea and Coffee, with a roastery, café, barista training and wholesale.

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The Lawn, in Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter

Mark Wheater, Strategic Property Manager for the City Council, said: “Stokes has ambitious plans for the site, including the creation of a new coffee shop and museum.

“Adequate car parking is essential to accommodate the increase in visitors this will undoubtedly attract.

“We’ve worked closely with the Joseph Banks Society to ensure it can create a new conservatory and garden area and have made a sizeable piece of land available to be developed as funds are realised.”

Nick Peel, Managing Director of Stokes, said: “The new conservatory and extended car parking will ensure at last that The Lawn becomes a commercially viable site of public access and interest, and a worthy neighbour for the Castle and Cathedral.

“After initial disappointment that the existing Joseph Banks Conservatory was no longer sustainable, we were delighted when the Joseph Banks Society working with the city council, came forward with plans for a new Joseph Banks Heritage Centre on the site.”

Paul Scott, of the Joseph Banks Society, said: “We are excited by the prospect of a new larger, and modern Joseph Banks Conservatory which will incorporate the Dawber Gardens and the West Lawn and will also include education facilities as well as adding to the visitor experience in uphill Lincoln.”

In addition to the car parking/conservatory proposals, RW Stokes are working towards submitting a full planning application for the wider scheme.