January 6, 2016 7.56 am This story is over 97 months old

Work starts on Lincoln Wildwood restaurant in former Mall

New name for Lincoln: Work has started to refurbish the former Mall on the High Street into a Wildwood restaurant.

Work has started to refurbish the former Mall on upper Lincoln High Street into a Wildwood restaurant.

It is anticipated that the work will be finished by May 2016 and that Wildwood will be welcoming its first diners in the summer.

The new eatery will create some 30 new jobs and will serve pizza, pasta and grilled dishes.

Wildwood has more than 40 restaurants across the country.

The transformation has begun at the Mall shopping centre. Photo: The Lincolnite

The transformation has begun at the Mall shopping centre. Photo: The Lincolnite

Local firm Maher Millard Construction has been contracted for the revamp by chartered surveyors Banks Long & Co.

Banks Long & Co Managing Director Tim Bradford said: “We are delighted to announce that the refurbishment work is being carried out by a Lincolnshire company, which has just started on site.

“Banks Long & Co turned down a number of wet-led late night bar operations in favour of Wildwood, whose dining experience will also include a small bar and  retail area.

“We were keen to attract a restaurant brand to this location which could offer something different for Lincoln.”

Wildwood, which is owned by Tasty Plc, is a new name for Lincoln and its arrival will highlight the ongoing revitalisation process being seen across the city.

Earlier this year the company said the city had “been on its radar” for some time.

Managers had taken note of the growth in Lincoln’s economy, which has been boosted by a rise in the number of students and tourists coming to the city.

Banks Long & Co originally acquired The Mall for Lincolnshire developer M F Strawson Ltd – when it was offered to the market at a London auction.