Major Brayford developments set for Lincoln planners’ approval

Two significant planning proposals submitted to City of Lincoln Council will see wide scale development around the Brayford Pool.

The University of Lincoln’s masterplan and Network Rail’s Brayford level crossing footbridge designs will go before the council’s Planning Committee on March 27.

Network Rail and Globe Consultants’ proposal relates to the erection of the pedestrian footbridge over the level crossing on Brayford Wharf East — which also leads to further development of the street.

According to the document, the bridge would be built on the west side of the road, and will include lifts of either side.

In order to accommodate the large bridge, the proposal includes making the road one-way, widening the pedestrian pavement and adding a cycle lane.

The new bridge designs from Network Rail, by Stem Architects

The plans also include a “curved decked area” to south-east corner of the Brayford Pool. This decking would widen the entrance bridge to the university, and also stop swans lingering on the walkway.

However, swans will be encouraged to use a new swan habitat added on to the existing island in Brayford Pool.

Also, the unused East Holmes signal box will be moved from its current site and placed onto another new decking area along the Brayford Pool’s south bank.

It can then be extended and for office, retail or cafe use.

It is hoped that the addition of the bridge, which had two designs, will deter pedestrians from running through or climbing over the crossing barriers after the signals begin.

Revamped campus

Meanwhile, the University of Lincoln submitted an outline proposal for redevelopment of its main campus.

The masterplan details a variety of new buildings across the campus and the extension of existing buildings.

The new units will range from student accommodation and academic buildings to offices (both university and commercial), restaurants and retail buildings, plus car parking and the potential for a hotel.

Roads through the university campus will also be improved to make it more accessible.

The majority of the work will take place on land south of the train tracks, however there will be some development to buildings on the Brayford side.

The plans mainly aim to expand the university’s provision of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects over the next 10 years.

Additionally, the masterplan fits into the City of Lincoln Local Plan, which aims to connect more people directly with the city centre by improving accessibility.

If the plans remain in their current parameters, the university would have potential to accommodate up to an extra (estimated) 4,500 students.

The Brayford will also benefit from the masterplan, with landscaping around the pool and improved jetties, and an additional curved pedestrian bridge across the pool, linking the campus with Brayford Wharf North.

A sketch of the Brayford vision by Stem Architects in Lincoln

As previously reported, a walkway between Brayford Wharf East and High Street will be added for pedestrians and cyclists, linking the two areas more directly.

There will also be an additional bridge added on Brayford Head for pedestrians to make it easier to get between Brayford Wharf East and North.

On the Brayford Way bridge, a new crossing will be added to the junction, making it easier for pedestrians to cross between parts of the campus.

It’s also been proposed that more pedestrian crossings are added to Mint Street and Newland Street at the Wigford Way junction, and another along Rope Walk.

Despite the proposed buildings being tall and modern, each will reflect the historic buildings surrounding the site.

The building do no exceed seven storeys in height (the majority being around 5-6 storeys), and gaps between building are generous or purposely added to allow for view of Lincoln Cathedral, from all directions travelling into the city.

Professor Ieuan Owen, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln, said: “The University has undergone extraordinary growth over the last decade, both in our facilities and in our standing among UK institutions of higher education.

“We’re now recognised as one of the most vibrant and innovative universities in the country, and this masterplan document is an important component in our strategy to continue this upward trajectory.”

John Plumridge, the University’s Director of Estates, said: “With new academic buildings, we can continue to advance our teaching and research, and additional office space will enable us to house spin-out businesses and enhance our collaboration with existing companies.

“New accommodation, shops, cafes and restaurants would all add to the great experience we already offer our students. They would also complement the mix of amenities which residents and tourists can choose from in the Brayford Pool area.”

The council officers’ recommendation for both applications is to approve conditionally. The committee meeting will start at 5.30pm at City Hall on March 27.