April 13, 2011 10.46 am This story is over 167 months old

Businesses happy with Gateway refresh

Fresh: Businesses in Lincoln’s city centre say they are delighted with the revamp of the Sincil Street area.

Businesses in Lincoln’s city centre say they are delighted with the upkeep of the Sincil Street area over the past few months.

More than £100,000 was spent on improving the area as part of the Gateway project, a collaboration between the City and County councils, Lincoln BIG and Sincil Street Traders Association.

The money, half of which came from a government grant, was used to improve shop fronts, add floral displays, and organise summer events.

Barry Reeves, Chair of Sincil Street Traders, explained the area has a “unique character”, with a a mix of small independent businesses.

“The Gateway project has made a big difference to us.

“The area looks smarter and it is noticeable that new businesses have started to fill some of the shops which used to be empty.

“In my opinion, the project is an unqualified success,” Reeves said.

Part of the Gateway project, 15 vacant shop fronts were refurbished with windows graphics, and floral displays were installed in the area.

Public toilets at St Peter at Arches, Bus Station, Sincil Street and High Bridge were also deep cleaned.

The Gateway Project is designed to keep the city centre looking good while developers try to make progress on the proposed Lindongate scheme.

Rob Bradley, Economic Sustainability and Tourism Manager at the City of Lincoln Council, said: “We’re delighted that this investment has breathed new life into an important part of the city centre.

“It’s made a genuine difference to businesses in the area leading up to the investment of the Lindongate scheme.”

Source: City of Lincoln Council