November 29, 2017 3.47 pm This story is over 76 months old

Lincoln High Street project delayed, but work will pause for Christmas market

A £800,000 project to repave a section of Lincoln High Street has suffered a delay, but Lincolnshire County Council has said the site will be cleared for Christmas Market shoppers. Construction on a new pedestrian zone between Tentercroft Street at St Marys Street was hoped to be completed in time for the market, which takes…
Photo: Guy Owen for The Lincolnite

A £800,000 project to repave a section of Lincoln High Street has suffered a delay, but Lincolnshire County Council has said the site will be cleared for Christmas Market shoppers.

Construction on a new pedestrian zone between Tentercroft Street at St Marys Street was hoped to be completed in time for the market, which takes place from Thursday, December 7 until Sunday, December 10.

The council has said unforeseen issues with material supply, resources and conditions on site have meant the scheme has not progressed as quickly as anticipated.

Photo: Guy Owen for The Lincolnite

Contractors will now work double shifts to ensure the bulk of the work is finished in time for the market.

By December 7, the site will be cleared of fencing and unpaved areas temporarily filled with tarmac.

Once the market is complete, work will resume overnight to complete remaining sections with a target finish date of the week beginning December 18.

Photo: Guy Owen for The Lincolnite

Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economy and Place, said: “The majority of the road has already been excavated and paved, but, unfortunately, the improvement works haven’t progressed as quickly as we’d have liked.

“Contractors are now working double shifts to complete the bulk of the project ahead of the Christmas Market, but some minor paving works may need to be completed after the event.

Photo: Guy Owen for The Lincolnite

“Come market time, we will ensure that the entire site will be cleared of all fencing and any unpaved areas filled with tarmac so that there is no disruption to the people enjoying the city’s festive activities from Thursday to Sunday.

“Our plan is to return to site after the market to complete any remaining work during the evening after the shops are closed. Again, the site will be clear of fencing during the day, keeping disruption to an absolute minimum in the run up to Christmas.”

Artist impression of the new look High Street.

National contractor North Midland Construction is carrying out the project, which began in August and was meant to last 14 weeks.

Geoff Poyzer, Managing Director for North Midland Construction (Highway Division), added: “Unfortunately, there have been a number of unforeseen issues which have caused a delay to the completion of the project; however, we are doing everything we can to ensure the site is clear for the Christmas Market and the works finished for Christmas.

“I’d also like to thank the local retailers for their continued patience throughout these works.”