May 28, 2015 4.54 pm This story is over 105 months old

Plans revealed for Lincoln university building on derelict Brayford site

Pea Warehouse to go?: Designs and development proposals have been revealed for a five storey university building on Brayford Wharf East.

Designs and development proposals have been revealed for a five storey building on Brayford Wharf East, housing the University of Lincoln’s School of Social Sciences.

The Sarah Swift Building project is hoped to provide a new home for the Schools of Health and Social Care and Psychology, as well as a Professional Development Centre (with ongoing training for medical professionals in Lincolnshire).

Nursing and psychology student numbers are said to be growing rapidly in the city, with the number for the academic year 2018/19 predicted as 1,697.

A design statement and application has been submitted to the City of Lincoln Council, proposing a development with around 3,750m2 of net usable area.

The building sits south of the Brayford Level crossing. Artist's impression: Faulkner Browns Architects

The building sits south of the Brayford Level crossing. Artist’s impression: Faulkner Browns Architects

As reported previously, the new development will also create the walkway between the Brayford area and the High Street for pedestrians and cyclists.

Outline designs for the site.

Outline designs for the site.

The site to the north of the university’s recently acquired David Chiddick Building, known as Wigford Yard, was previously earmarked for a student accommodation block. Plans were revised however after residents raised concerns over its size.

If the proposals are approved, the development would require the demolition of the existing late 19th century ‘Pea Warehouse’.

The former Pea Warehouse on the site known as Wigford Yard.

The former Pea Warehouse on the site known as Wigford Yard.

Plans acknowledged that the brownfield site and historic warehouse is important in terms of local significance and a reminder of Lincoln’s past food-processing industry.

The university considered a number of design options, alongside partners Faulkner Browns Architects and Globe Consultants, that would incorporate the old warehouse within the build.

Options considered to incorporate the warehouse.

Options considered to incorporate the warehouse.

The application states however that due to adaptation challenges, funding and walkway provisions, “there is no realistic alternative than demolition”.

Layout design submitted as part of the proposal.

Layout design submitted as part of the proposal.

Architecturally, the building’s form will represent a series of ‘stacked volumes’ with individual schools layered by floor.

From the outside, the building facade will include a weathering Corten Steel ‘wrap’ and glazing.

Outline designs for north and south elevation.

Outline designs for north and south elevation.

Outline designs for west and east elevation.

Outline designs for west and east elevation.

The plans come as the next phase to the University of Lincoln’s Masterplan.

The previously approved University of Lincoln Masterplan.

The previously approved University of Lincoln Masterplan.