June 18, 2015 10.09 am This story is over 104 months old

First designs for Lincoln’s £29m Transport Hub unveiled

First look: The first designs for the £29 million Lincoln Transport Hub reveal how the new facility would act as a much-needed gateway to the city.

Residents and visitors to Lincoln can begin to visualise how a £29 million transport hub will act as a much-anticipated gateway to the city, as the first artists’ impressions are revealed.

The new state-of-the-art hub will include a 1,000 space multi-storey car park and footbridges, as well as the new plaza area in front of Lincoln Central Station.

A planning application was submitted by the City of Lincoln Council this week and will be available to view online from Friday, June 19.

Photo: CoLC

The view of Lincoln Central Train station and the proposed new bus station. Image: CoLC

If approved by the council’s planning committee in September, work would begin by the end of 2015.

As previously reported, plans for the project were revealed in January this year.

The scheme is hoped to vastly improve transport to and from the city and was recently given a substantial boost by a £858,000 city council commitment, bringing their total investment to £2.1 million.

A 1,000 multi-storey car park would stand in place of the current bus station in Lincoln.

A 1,000 space multi-storey car park would stand in place of the current bus station in Lincoln.

In early 2014, the project was awarded £11 million indicative funding through the Single Local Growth Fund from the Department for Transport.

If all the funding is secured, and subject to receiving planning permission, the scheme would be delivered by City of Lincoln Council in partnership with the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP), Lincolnshire Co-op and Network Rail, working with East Midlands Trains and Lincolnshire County Council.

It would involve:

  • Demolishing the existing, outdated bus station – used by 7 million passengers every year – and building a new, larger facility next to the train station
  • Replacing the existing pedestrian and platform footbridges over the railway with a dual function footbridge
  • Building a new 1,000 space multi-storey car park with pay on exit facilities on the site of the current bus station
  • Public realm and highway improvements to St Mary’s Street and the front of the train station
  • Additional benefits for cyclists, including cycle spaces and lanes
A view at night of the new footbridges that the scheme would bring if approved.

A view at night of the new footbridges that the scheme would bring if approved.

Councillor Ric Metcalfe, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, said: “It is a hugely significant project for everyone in the city as these vastly improved transport facilities and public realm enhancements will help remove barriers to further investment and growth while providing a more welcoming and attractive gateway to Lincoln.

“The city has needed a new, modern bus station for a long time to enable it to cope with increased passenger numbers and open up the possibility of more services in the future – particularly in the evening.

“A recent public consultation showed overwhelmingly positive support for the development and what it would do for Lincoln.

“An integrated transport interchange in the heart of the city to serve residents, businesses and visitors, will ensure the vitality of our city centre.”

Cllr Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This project, along with the major road improvements being made by the county council, will ensure that the city remains well-placed for business growth over the coming years.”

David Reid, operations manager at Willmott Dixon said: “Willmott Dixon Construction has been working with the city council for just over a year, helping them to prepare the information required for the submission of the recent planning application for the hub.

“We are pleased to be involved in bringing to fruition a scheme which has been talked about for many years.

“This is a huge step forward in the council’s ambitions for an integrated transport system which will transform and improve the first impressions for visitors and pedestrian connectivity to this great, historical city.”