James McArthur

A chartered surveyor firm has secured the first letting for the recently-refurbished Lincoln House on Newland Street.

Hodgson Elkington completed the city landmark’s first lease following its six figure refurbishment from Lindum Group.

The four-storey office building on the corner of Newland and Orchard Street was built in the 1960s for the National Deposit Friendly Society and was occupied, until last year, by Lincolnshire County Council.

The first lease for Lincoln House has gone to Framework Housing Association who will occupy the ground and first floor of the building. Two suites of 2,000 sq ft each remain available on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

The refurbished property is owned by Lincoln-based investment company and property developer Taylor Lindsey Limited.

Hodgson Elkington LLP Partner, Dan Race, said: “We are very pleased to have secured the first letting in this building and wish Framework well for their relocation.”

“This takes to over 50,000 sq ft the amount of office space we have let or sold in Lincoln in recent months, a substantial improvement on recent years and a very encouraging sign.”

Lincoln is on the path to becoming a Fairtrade City following the City of Lincoln Council’s decision to adopt Fairtrade Policy at an Executive meeting on Monday.

Ric Metcalfe, City Council leader, said: “Lincoln becoming a Fairtrade City is important because it recognises that there are people who need help and gives everybody a chance to support the hardworking people in the developing countries.

“It also fits in with our aim to develop a fit for purpose council, as the council can lead by example in promoting ethical procurement.

As part of its Fairtrade Policy, the City of Lincoln Council will serve Fairtrade options at meetings, support initiatives that promote Fairtrade, and encourage businesses in Lincoln to apply for Fairtrade Friendly Accreditation.

The aim of Fairtrade is to help promote better trading conditions and environmental sustainability within developing countries.

In order for Lincoln to qualify as a Fairtrade City, The City of Lincoln Council must meet several basic requirements, including support of Fairtrade products amongst council workplaces and community organisations, ensuring Fairtrade products are widely available across the city and raising awareness about the goals and benefits of Fairtrade policy in Lincoln.

Chair of the Fairtrade Steering group and councillor at City of Lincoln Council, Chris Burke, said: “This decision by the executive to adopt a fair trade policy is a crucial development in our progress towards a Fairtrade City, to which this council has committed on behalf of the people of Lincoln.”

“The next steps are to introduce Fairtrade products into our own places of work, and to encourage local businesses and local people to sell, buy and use Fairtrade products.”

Source: City of Lincoln Council | Photo: GBCarmelite