The other West Common masterplan
Sheffield-based company Lucid Landscapes presented an alternative masterplan for developing the Lincoln West Common. The plans are independent of the widely debated proposal to reinstate flat racing on the West Common from the Lincoln Racecourse Regeneration Company (LRRC).
Alongside a horse racing track and a revamp of the Grandstand (click image above to enlarge), Lucid Landscape’s designs include sports and recreation facilities, a music stage, a wooded area, a bridge across the A57 connecting both parts of the West Common, and even a large wind turbine.
An eye-opening masterplan?
“We decided to carry this project purely as a new company setting out, showing the standard of work we are capable of producing, and of course my own personal interest in the development of Lincoln,” said Robert Playford, the Director of the company. “No one commissioned Lucid Landscapes to carry out the masterplan for the Lincoln [West] Common.”
Playford said the drawings are meant “to show the people of Lincoln what is possible with the Common. I must stress this was entirely the reason for this project to help open the eyes of the residents of Lincoln and help people see what this valuable asset could become.”
Lincoln MP Karl McCartney, and a director with LRRC, told The Lincolnite that he, or LRRC, have no involvement with Lucid Landscapes’ designs. “Currently I hadn’t considered talking with LLRC, but I think that could be a possibility if they want to talk to me,” Playford explained.
Lucid Landscapes claims it has sent its designs through to the Landscaping Department of the Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), a few months ago, but received very little response. Playford hopes that “maybe now they’d [LCC] take a fresh look as its more of a talking point.” LCC was unable to confirm these claims by the time of publishing. It is the City of Lincoln Council, not the LCC, who administrate the West Common.
In pictures: The other West Common masterplan
A closer look at the Lincoln West Common development designs from Lucid Landscapes. Click on each image for a larger version and details.
