April 1, 2017 8.00 am This story is over 83 months old

All aboard Lindum Air Line! Steep Hill cable cars planned as new Lincoln attraction

Those defeated by the laborious incline of Steep Hill in Lincoln will soon have the option of hopping on board a new state-of-the-art cable car to fly them up the cobbles. Should plans receive approval, developers Jackman & Johnson say the new £12 million ‘Lindum Air Line’ will be more than just a means of getting to…
The proposed cable car designs would see trips run every five minutes from Castle Hill to the bottom of The Strait. Artist impression Stalk Architects

Those defeated by the laborious incline of Steep Hill in Lincoln will soon have the option of hopping on board a new state-of-the-art cable car to fly them up the cobbles.

Should plans receive approval, developers Jackman & Johnson say the new £12 million ‘Lindum Air Line’ will be more than just a means of getting to and from the city’s historical quarter, it will be “an attraction of its own”.

Passengers on board the cars will experience stunning city vistas from sunrise to sunset, with special midnight carriage ride also run every Saturday offering a bird’s eye view of the city’s one of a kind nightlife.

Views of the city from the top of the Lindum Air Line.

Initial designs propose that steel terminals would be erected on Castle Hill, between Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral, and just before the base of The Strait.

Cars will alight every five minutes, flying above the rooftops and the narrow streets linking to Steep Hill before gradually touching down near to The Collection Museum.

A terminal will be installed in between Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle as well as at the opening of The Strait. Artist impression Stalk Architects

The plans have already had mixed responses from a number of local residents, who have raised concerns regarding the impact on the historic appeal of the area, as well as dangers in obstructing birds’ flightpaths.

A spokesperson for Lincoln-based J&J said: “Lindum Air Line will be on the top of the list of things to do in the city, giving passengers a never-before-experienced view of the historic area and its iconic locations.

“Guests will be among the first in the UK to ride a state-of-the-art design, developed by the Lincoln University for the ultimate smooth flight. The pods will be as steady and graceful as a Brayford swan.”

Head of economic development and tourism at Lincoln HUGE added: “Nothing like this has ever been proposed for Lincoln before and if cable cars already in operation across the UK are anything to go by, the attraction should prove very popular.

“The businesses we have spoken to are very supportive and we are also in talks with the Steep Hill based businesses to place rooftop advertising on their premises.”

Trips on the cars will cost just £5 for adults and £2.50 for children and concessions, there will also be a discount on offer for passengers dressed in Roman attire, in celebration of the ride’s historic namesake.

Lincoln City Council will consider the plans later this month.