March 5, 2019 12.35 pm This story is over 60 months old

New outdoor market and Cornhill Kiosk demolition in city centre plans

The City of Lincoln Council is seeking Executive approval
The Cornhill kiosk was used for a tourist info centre, a stop smoking featPhoto: Visit Lincoln

Plans for Lincoln city centre could see the Cornhill Quarter Kiosk demolished and a new outdoor market opened on City Square.

The scheme will be considered by City of Lincoln Council’s executive on Monday, March 11.

The council proposes to knock down the Cornhill Kiosk, which has previously been used as a visitor information centre, stop smoking centre and events booth, as well as housing fast food independents.

A new open space created, facing onto the High Street would be used for events.

Officers estimate the cost of the demolition works would cost around £50,000 and would be funded from the £300,000 allocated in the additional resources from business rate retention.

It’s also noted in the report before the executive that the potential lost revenue income would be £22,000 per year, but that the revenue from the proposed outdoor market would offset this.

The stalls would be on the outside of the central market on City Square.

The outdoor market is proposed to extend onto all of City Square to enhance the current market offer in Lincoln.

Council officers hope that by improving the outdoor market offer the footfall will also be increased into the indoor market.

Director of Major Developments at City of Lincoln Council Kate Ellis said: “The removal of the Cornhill Kiosk and adjacent tree will mark the first stage of improvements to create an effective public space for events in the heart of the city, allowing us to better utilise City Square with a robust market offering for traders and visitors alike.

“We want to drive the city’s economic growth by providing new opportunities for start-up businesses through a strong and sustainable market in Lincoln, as well create new retail offers and encourage positive community activity in the area.”

Further Cornhill plans

Lincolnshire Co-op has also announced today that it will close its City Square Centre store before moving to a new building on the Cornhill Quarter.

The new food store is due to open this summer on 18-20 Sincil Street, next to the new bus station, offering takeaway drinks, snacks and hot food.