December 5, 2018 6.09 pm This story is over 63 months old

1,300 student flats will be built on Lincoln’s St Marks

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

1,300 student flats will be built on Lincoln’s St Marks in a move that will mark the start of a £150 million redevelopment of the area.

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.

Councillors on City of Lincoln Council had previously dismissed the designs as “bland”, but have now approved the proposal.

Designs for 1,300 student flats on St Marks, Lincoln.

Brian Kelly, speaking on behalf of Aberdeen Standard Investments, said the plan is a “key step” in the regeneration of St Marks.

“We have looked to address the issues raised with the first plan in a positive way,” he said.

“The design solutions we have adopted look to improve the scheme.

“The proposal is the first key step towards the regeneration of St Marks and has the potential to benefit to the wider city.”

New designs for student accommodation on St Marks following city councillors “bland” comments.

Councillor Gary Hewson said the area is an “important corner” of the city and it was important to get the plan right.

“I am pleased that I made the decision last time to refuse,” he said.

“That’s because what we have now is a lot better and the variety and visual interest is a lot more acceptable.”

The scheme will  see 1,372 rooms with shared living space built on the site.

The proposals come as part of a £150 million regeneration of the St Marks area.

The student accommodation will be the first part of the development and was given outline permission back in 2017.

Close up visual of the proposed St Marks flats.

When completed, the major development will also include a number of new shops, hotel and a car park with up to 1,100 spaces.

As previously reported, 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.

SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from our coverage every week and insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.