August 10, 2011 4.27 pm This story is over 151 months old

Judges visit Steep Hill for best street award

Rainy day: Judges from London came to Lincoln to see if Steep Hill is the winner of the best UK street award.
Judging in the rain (L-R): Mark Hollingworth, Alan Aistrup, Matt Corrigan, Neil Murray, Stephen Gallagher, Tim Challans, Annette Hard, Ann Wallace and Richard Guise

Judges were greeted with rain when they arrived on August 10 to view Steep Hill for Lincoln’s bid for the best street in Britain.

But the weather did not dampen the spirits of city leaders who gathered with the assessors at the base of Steep Hill before taking them on a tour of the street.

Mark Hollingworth, Tourism director at Lincoln BIG, said: “Lincoln should win because it is one of the most historic cities in the UK and it has a great heritage.

“Steep hill has a fantastic heritage and it has a variety of shops and restaurants. This award will help raise the city’s profile and put us on the map.”

Pete Boswell, Head of planning at City of Lincoln Council, said: “We have a great chance. This is a unique opportunity for the city and so far, the assessors seem impressed. Lincoln is rich in history and this street demonstrates that.”

The assessment

A total of six judges from The Academy of Urbanism in London arrived in Lincoln to look at its potential.

Tim Challans, Assessor, said: “I have been to Lincoln many times and it’s a great place. In looking for the winner of the award we look at a number of different areas. Primarily we are looking for a combination of history and character.”

Richard Guise, Assessor, added: “Aside from the looks of the street, we also look at the management. I am very impressed by Lincoln BIG and find the concept of it very innovative.”

“There is a real sense of community with the businesses in the area and I believe they, and the Lincoln people, invest a lot of effort in making Lincoln a prosperous city.”

The winner of the award will be announced at a London ceremony on November 11.