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.
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.
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 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Demolishing the existing, outdated bus station – used by 7 million passengers every year – and building a new, larger facility next to the train station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.
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.”
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Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
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Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!