September 5, 2018 2.05 pm This story is over 66 months old

Design agency to transform iconic Lincoln pub

Optima hope to move in in early 2019
The site of the old Duke of Wellington pub on Broadgate, which hosted the Bivouac Club. | Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite

A Lincoln design agency has been granted planning permission to turn a former popular pub in the city into an exciting new office space.

As previously reported, the site of the old Duke of Wellington pub on Broadgate has been empty since 2011 and plans were submitted to the city council for a change of use by Optima Graphic Design Consultants Ltd.

Planning permission was granted by the City of Lincoln Council on August 31 and Optima hope to move into their new offices early in 2019.

The Bivouac Club on the first floor of the Duke of Wellington pub used to host live music, but the building will now be used to create a large open plan studio space.

It will also house a bright and open account management and support team area on the ground floor and multi-use office space at the back for meetings.

First floor plan. Photo: Optima Graphic Design Consultants Ltd,

The original bar will be kept and adapted into a new reception desk.

A virtual reality suite and dedicated areas to Skype and present to clients is also being created for Optima, who have been located in their current building on West Parade for 20 years.

Optima currently has a team of 19 staff, but this move gives the company the chance to expand in the future and create new jobs for the city.

Optima’s Managing Director Simon Shaw said: “Finding the right building was crucial for us. The Duke of Wellington is an much-loved building that has been empty for a number of years.

“It is a historic Lincoln building in a conservation area of our City and we want to give it a new lease of life new life, working with the city planners to revitalise its iconic façade and retain its personality”.

Simon Shaw, Managing Director for Optima. Photo: Steve Smailes

Simon added: “Our team are eager to capture the history and great memories of the Duke of Wellington so if anyone has any history, photos and stories, we would be delighted for you to share them via our Facebook page.

“Already we have uncovered that it was the founding place of Lincoln Wellington Athletics Club in 1911, the bands Saxon and The Killers played in the pub, which was also a great launchpad and showcase for local Lincoln bands. We have already been contacted by relatives of the Landlords from the ‘70s who we hope to trade stories with.”

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