BrightHouse store and former travel agency to be converted into single unit as part of Cornhill development

Lincolnshire Co-op has submitted plans to merge two premises in Lincoln city centre into one larger unit as part of its latest vision for the Cornhill Quarter.

The Co-op secured planning permission to restore and transform the Corn Exchange building and 30a to 35 Sincil Street in October 2015, and is in the process of preparing the site for construction work later this year.

Now the Co-op has applied to City of Lincoln Council to revamp the former Going Places travel agency owned by Thomas Cook and the current BrightHouse units on 5 and 6 Cornhill Pavement.

The Co-op said that the aim is to combine the space into a bigger unit, bring the frontage level with the other units and renovate the premises to bring it more in keeping with the Corn Exchange and the Waterstones building.

The current Thomas Cook unit on 4 Cornhill Pavement is not included in the planning application, and the premises next door has been vacant for a number of years.

Staff at BrightHouse were unaware of the planning application and how they would be affected by it when contacted by The Lincolnite.

However, a spokesperson for the retailer later said: “We will continue to trade in Lincoln. Either at our current premises, regarding which we’re having discussions with the landlord, or nearby.”

If planning permission is secured, Lincolnshire Co-op and agents Banks Long and Co would look to start developing the site in late summer this year.

Modern extensions to the Corn Exchange will be demolished, allowing views of the new facades from the High Street.

Work continues behind the hoardings at the Corn Exchange, with contractors conducting utility surveys, reports to determine the depth and make up of foundations of the building, and recording of its historical features.

Construction is hoped to begin this autumn.

Lincolnshire Co-op and agents Banks Long and Co are also in negotiations with a number of retail and leisure operators.

Nothing has yet been finalised but the Co-op plans to make formal announcements by the summer with major work starting soon after.

Spokesperson for Lincolnshire Co-op Emma Snedden said: “The Cornhill Quarter vision is about transforming the whole area, benefitting both local traders and the people who live, work, visit and shop in the city.

“It’s a long term project which will run for a number of years and our plans to create a new unit in Cornhill Pavement are another part of that jigsaw.”