January 27, 2021 10.56 am This story is over 44 months old

New Brayford Pool viewing platform takes shape

It has been out of use for several years
Work on the new viewing platform is expected to be completed by mid-February. | Photo: The Lincolnite

The viewing platform looking out onto Brayford Pool will be brought back into use next month as work continues on a project costing close to £40,000.

It’s expected to be completed by mid-February after it’s been blocked from use for almost five years due to being unsafe.

It’s in the same location where controversial plans for a second floating restaurant were rejected by the city council’s planning committee in 2016.

It was then overruled by the government’s planning Inspectorate 13 months later after a successful appeal by The Brayford Trust and Investors in Lincoln. However, as landlords, the city council rejected the plans.

As part of the discussions, the city council proposed an annual grant of £25,000 for The Brayford Trust to carry out dredging and improvement works.

Designs for the floating restaurant on the Brayford. | Photo: Stem Architects

A further grant of around £38,900 has been allocated to the trust by the city council for works on the new viewing platform.

Gelder Group won the tender for the project and started work in the second week of January on the platform.

David Rossington of The Brayford Trust told The Lincolnite the main aspect of the project is making the area safe, as some of the foundations were coming away.

New boards will be put in and extra protection underneath to make them safe, ready for the platform being available for public access.

Once complete, the platform can also be used at events and for outdoor performances.

The platform has fallen into disrepair and was closed off in 2015 due to safety concerns. | Photo: The Lincolnite

Mr Rossington, who has been involved with the trust for seven years, told The Lincolnite: “The trust is delighted to bring the viewing platform back into use.

“It was unused for a number of years for safety reasons and will come back again for the public. It will be there for the enjoyment of the Lincoln public as they walk along the Brayford.”

A spokesperson for City of Lincoln Council said: “The city council provides The Brayford Trust with an annual grant of £25,000 to help them keep the pool safe and attractive for visitors and users.

“This year, in addition to the grant, we have provided the trust with a further £38,900 for remedial work on the viewing platform which will ensure its ongoing safety and accessibility.

“These funds help us fulfil our landlord obligations to the Pool, with the works being undertaken by the trust on our behalf.”