Top developments to come in 2020 in Lincoln

This year, the decision will be made on a number of significant developments in and around Lincoln.

From the Western Growth Corridor to a student accommodation projects, this year will see their fates decided.

Here’s what to expect in the next 12 months.

Western Growth Corridor to press on?

City of Lincoln Council’s long-awaited plan to invest in the Western Growth Corridor took another step this year when plans were officially submitted.

Visuals of the Western Growth Corridor project included in the City of Lincoln Council’s application.

The lengthy masterplan was lodged in March and includes:

• up to 3,200 homes
• a local centre with retail and commercial units
• a new primary school
• a commercial employment area of up to 20 hectares
• a sport and leisure complex, with a new stadium, health and leisure facilities, a hotel and food and drink provision

City council leader, Ric Metcalfe, described the plan as a “terrific addition” to Lincoln.

“It’s growing the city in a sustainable way,” he said.

In 2020, it’s expected that plans will begin to come to the authority’s planning committee for further inspection.

Hotel plans for House of Fraser

A view of the proposed 150-room hotel from Mint Street and Mint Lane corner.

The latter end of 2019 saw plans for the future of Lincoln’s House of Fraser surface.

While no decision has been made on the store, landlord Halifax Pensions Nominees Limited devised speculative plans for the site.

The developer said it was responding to the “ongoing uncertainty” over the future of the store.

In December, formal plans were lodged to demolish the building and build a four star, 150-room hotel.

A restaurant, bar and leisure facilities is included in the plan, as well as commercial space onto the High Street.

This year could see the proposal gain approval or be shot down by the city council.

New student accommodation for Bishop Grosseteste University

The planned student accommodation and teaching facility on Riseholme Road, Lincoln.

Further student accommodation and a new teaching facility is planned for Lincoln, this time on Riseholme Road.

Bishop Grosseteste University submitted the plan for a 295-bed facility in an effort to “improve its housing offer”.

In addition, a new teaching block will be built alongside the accommodation next to Yarborough Leisure Centre.

The university said the plan is required to meet its own targets, demand for teaching space and improve its student accommodation.

A decision is expected from the city council this coming year.

The future of Lincoln’s Ryvita Building

Lincoln Police Station on West Parade. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

It was the end of an era last year as police officers moved out of Lincoln’s West Parade station for good.

Officers are now based at South Park Blue Light Hub alongside fire and ambulance crews.

But the question that remains is what to do with the former station, known locally as the ‘Ryvita building.’

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones brought Investors in Lincoln in to look at the future use of the site.

Mr Jones said the group was expected to report back before Christmas on its findings.

An answer on the former station’s future is to be expected in 2020.

People up in arms about controversial pig farm

More than 25,000 people have objected to the plan and 300 have written to North Kesteven District Council directly to raise concerns about a pig fattening unit in Harmston.

Owners DF Meanwell Ltd want to build a pig finishing unit with spaces for 1,920 pigs in an effort to “diversify” its operations.

But the proposal has caused uproar, with campaigners weighing in on the plans and dubbing it a “blight on Lincolnshire’s landscape”.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has submitted a 25,000 signature petition to the local authority.

The council is expected to bring the plan before a planning committee in 2020.

New sports facility and homes for Lincoln College

An artists impression of the site.

In an effort to improve its sports facilities, Lincoln College has submitted proposals for new facilities in the city.

A new 3G sports pitch and 75 homes could be built on Ravendale Sports Ground as part of the proposal.

Plans by Lincoln College would see the current facilities at the site enhanced, including five-a-side, seven-a-side and nine-a-side grass football pitches.

Further proposals include a walking ‘trim trail’  and an overflow car park.

Councillors will discuss the plan later this coming year.

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