November 9, 2018 12.00 pm This story is over 64 months old

Old units crushed as St Marks demolition underway

The end of an era!
Demolition is well underway at St Marks. Photo: Bennies Britain

Demolition work is well underway on the vacant Homebase, Lidl and Topps Tiles units at St Marks as the planned £150 million redevelopment of the area continues to take shape.

As previously reported, demolition preparation works began last month after revised designs for more than 1,300 student flats were resubmitted, replacing the first proposal which was refused by councillors who called them “bland”.

Fresh designs for the 1,300 student flats on St Marks.

One Lincolnite reader captured images of the demolition, saying works have “almost cut through to the other side from behind the car park”.

Outline plans for the wider £150 million scheme, which also includes shops, leisure and a multi-storey car park have already been approved.

The old buildings are being torn down. Photo: Bennies Britain

Demolition work has started at St Marks. Photo: Bennies Britain

The development proposed by Aberdeen Standard Investments will see the former Homebase, Lidl, Topps Tiles and part of the BHS unit demolished to make way for the accommodation.

Initial demolition preparations began on Monday, October 29 and is expected to last until mid-January 2019.

If the accommodation designs are approved, work could begin in spring 2019.

The construction programme will be phased with the first students potentially moving in at the start of the new academic year in 2020.

End of an era. Photo: Bennies Britain

Machinery on site. Photo: Bennies Britain

Work being done on site. Photo: Bennies Britain

The scheme will eventually see all the units to the west of Debenhams demolished and replaced with new retail units, leisure space and other amenities.

Space would also be made for cycle storage and management facilities.

Options discussed also include the possibility of a new cinema and waterfront restaurants and the scheme has the potential to generate up to 2,000 new jobs in the city.