October 14, 2019 4.42 pm This story is over 53 months old

Amusement bar plan for former Ruddocks store

New plans for the former store
Ruddocks of Lincoln

The former Ruddocks shop on Lincoln High Street could be turned into an amusement themed bar, under new plans submitted to the city council by Lindum Leisure Limited.

The site has been empty since Ruddocks closed its doors after more than 160 years of business in April 2017.

Under the proposals, the unit would be turned into a pub with an amusement theme in an effort to keep it consistent with the “era of the premises”.

The front half of the ground floor would be the bar area with tables and chairs, while beyond the staircase would be a game zone as well as a kitchen and plant room.

An example of an amusement themed bar, which is proposed for the former Ruddocks store.

Meanwhile, the first floor would be home to another games room, toilets and office accommodation.

As part of the plan, the second and third floors would be offices for “administrative and managerial functions”.

The developer said in its plans that the proposal aimed to deliver a leisure experience while keeping the site in touch with its tradition and heritage.

It said: “This proposal seeks to deliver a themed operation which provides a leisure experience which is broadly consistent with the era of the premises – at least the era of its first commercial occupation.

An example of a similar style amusement bar to that planned for the former Ruddocks store.

“The premises will retain its existing form and character with little external alteration other than the character and atmosphere of the Victorian fun fair being visible through the window displays and to a lesser extent the signage.

“Internal decoration and dressing will reflect the fun-filled atmosphere of a carousel but with the twist being the focus on the bar and the amusements.”

The former shop had been proposed to be used to showcase a Moroccan Market last year.

However, organisers cancelled the event in November 2018 due to “circumstances out of our control”.

City of Lincoln Council will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.

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