March 28, 2013 10.24 am This story is over 141 months old

University of Lincoln’s ambitious Brayford masterplan approved

Big development: The university will completely transform over the next few years, as its outline masterplan was approved by the City Council.
The overall masterplan for the University's new buildings.

The City of Lincoln Council planners on Wednesday approved the University of Lincoln’s outline plans to expand the Brayford campus.

The university aims to undertake major redevelopment around its main campus, mainly in the south of its premises.

The masterplan will benefit both the university and the city, extending access between the open campus and High Street for residents.

New units, which will be developed over the next 10 years, will cover a variety of uses, 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.

Some of the current buildings could also benefit from extensions.

The plans mainly aim to expand the university’s provision of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects, but also tie into the City of Lincoln Local Plan.

The plans have potential to accommodate up to an estimated 4,500 more students.

In addition to the buildings, roads through the university campus will also be improved to make it more accessible.

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

Even Brayford Pool will see benefits, including landscaping around the pool, improved jetties, and an additional pedestrian bridge to link the campus with Brayford Wharf North.

The masterplan was produced by a design team led by the architects Allies & Morrison, and closely developed with planning officers from the City Council.

University of Lincoln spokesman Ian Richards said: “We’re delighted that the outline planning application for our Masterplan has been approved by the City of Lincoln Council.

“The Masterplan sets out a vision for the development of the Brayford Campus over the next decade, so this is a significant milestone for the University.”

Expansion work is already underway on the campus, with the new art building being prepared by Lindum Construction for September, and the opening of the Lincoln School of Engineering in 2011.