National retailers revealed for Lincoln Cornhill Quarter

The first three national retailers have been confirmed for the Cornhill Quarter and will be opening summer 2017.

Cosy Club restaurant, Danish home and general store, Flying Tiger Copenhagen, formerly Tiger, and men’s formal wear fashion brand, Moss Bros. will open in the Corn Exchange building next year.

The announcement comes as part of a £70 million project by Lincolnshire Co-op to rejuvenate the area around Sincil Street, City Square and the Cornhill.

The first phase, costing £12 million, is already underway and will see modern extensions removed from the Grade II listed Corn Exchange building.

Additional work will also see buildings in the area repaired, refurbished and extended.

Ursula Lidbetter. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Business magazine

Lincolnshire Co-op chief executive Ursula Lidbetter said: “These new national and international brands set the scene for this exciting redevelopment, which will bring even more life, vibrancy and prosperity to Lincoln city centre.

“As well as delivering a new offer to those living and working in the city, the brands will encourage more people to come and experience our thriving city centre, contributing to the local economy.”

Artist impression of the new look Cornhill Quarter

The work is ongoing in conjunction with the city’s new transport hub, which will include a bus interchange, taxis and cycle facilities, and a 1000 space multi-storey car park.

Ursula Lidbetter added: “The new transport hub being constructed next to this scheme will allow people to access the destination easily.

“It is important for local businesses who depend on shoppers coming into the city, for commuters travelling in for work and for growing numbers of visitors to Lincoln.”

Designs for the new Lincoln Transport Hub. Image: CoLC

The project has employed local companies to conduct the regeneration including building contractors Lindum Construction and agents Banks Long & Co.

Tim Bradford, managing director of Banks Long & Co, said: “These first lettings demonstrate the interest we are already seeing from quality brands that recognise the benefits the redevelopment will bring to the area.

“These new names will not only add to Lincoln’s existing offer but help to put the city on the retail map.”

Simon Hall, director at Flying Tiger Copenhagen Midlands said: “We’re delighted to be opening in the Corn Exchange and be part of such a highly anticipated redevelopment in The Cornhill Quarter.

“2017 will be a fantastic year for Lincoln and we look forward to adding to the excitement with our unique retail offering. We hope that our new customers will have fun shopping at Flying Tiger Copenhagen.”

Jake Bishop, Managing Director of Cosy Club, added: “The magnificent Grade II listed Corn Exchange building caught our eye as it fits in perfectly with our ‘Mansion Splendour meets Village eccentricity’ ways.

“We like every customer to leave ‘feeling splendid’, which we’re confident will be the case at this beautiful building.

“We will also be in a prime position in the heart of one of the UK’s leading retail and leisure destinations as well as in one of the most exciting historic and up and coming cities in the country, I can’t wait for our grand opening bash.”