What’s happening with the Lincoln High Street pedestrian zone?

Lincolnshire County Council has said plans for a pedestrian plaza on Lincoln High Street with modern features like water fountains and light projections are on hold until at least summer 2017.

As reported previously, the council put forward two new-look proposals for the area of the High Street between Tentercroft Street and St Mary’s Street in February 2015.

The new Rose Square would feature a projection of a Lincoln Cathedral stained glass window.

Options discussed included colourful light projections inspired by Lincoln Cathedral’s stained glass Dean’s Eye Rose Window at a new space named Rose Square.

Another design idea proposed steel tracks with movable tree planters, in-paving lighting and water-jet fountains.

Examples in the county council’s previous proposals for water jet features in the new pedestrian zone.

Work on the scheme was expected to begin on completion of the city’s East West Link road in the autumn of 2016.

The council now says that while £1 million of funding has been secured for the project and the area has been closed to traffic, permanent work will not begin until summer 2017.

No decision has yet been made on what will be included in the final design.

Photo: The Lincolnite

A spokesperson for Highways and Transport at Lincolnshire County Council said: “The road has already been closed to traffic so we can make some initial changes.

“At the same time, we are looking at other potential elements such as new paving, seating, trees and possibly public art.

“We do not expect to start any permanent work until summer 2017.

“We would like to develop the area to the north of the crossing and around St Mary Le Wigford Church as part of a wider plan, which could include Wigford Way and beyond, but this would depend on funding becoming available.”

Difficulties with deliveries

Traders in the area say the new temporary bus station off Tentercroft Street has brought them improved footfall, and they look forward to the completion of the street.

They added however that the closure of the road to traffic has caused a problem with deliveries.

George Dimmock at 888 Vapour

George Dimmock, who works at 888 Vapour said: “For us it’s harder to get deliveries through.

“The temporary bus station footfall has helped, a lot of people come through and I think it will look nicer when it’s all finished here.

“I think the work should be done sooner rather than later though, they’ve just left us like this.”

Curtis bakery staff said the area outside was “a mess”, but that they were looking forward to works to improve the area.

They added that the temporary bus station on Tentercroft Street was bringing in more trade.