Matt Corrigan

People living and visiting Lincoln have plenty to look forward to as 2016 gets underway.

Major changes to the city’s streetscape, and the anticipated arrival of yet more new names keen to be part of a city which is growing as a retail and leisure destination, are poised to drive the pace of change.

While 2015 – with its unforgettable 800th anniversary of Magna Carta celebrations and the amazing Lincoln Charter Barons’ Trail has certainly been a milestone year – 2016 could match it in other ways.

The opening of Lincoln’s long-awaited East-West Link Road across the city centre, will act as a catalyst to a number of long-awaited schemes, including the pedestrianisation of the south High Street from St Marks to St Mary’s Street, with the new railway bridge, spanning the High Street railway crossing, also shaping-up.

The physical appearance of Lincoln is on the brink of major changes. These will provide the backdrop to a variety of new events and the return of old favourites.

Work is due to start on a £50 million project in the Cornhill Quarter. This will breathe extra life into what is an important part of the city.

The £12 million, first phase, will see the transformation of the Cornhill and Sincil Street. It is good that planners have given the green light for this work because this area is one of the first seen by visitors arriving in Lincoln by bus or train.

Work is due to start on the landmark Corn Exchange building during the first half of the year and the good news is that the scheme is already attracting strong national interest.

However, those involved in the project will also be working closely with existing tenants based in this area.

Lincoln’s long-awaiting Transport Hub is also causing a real buzz and a hot topic of conversation. A full business case for this is due to be submitted to the Department for Transport in February, with a decision on confirmed funding of £11 million expected in April.

We continue to see investment ploughed into the University of Lincoln campus and even after many years of welcoming new businesses to the city, there is every expectation that Lincoln will continue to attract many new names.

We are aiming to match the city’s rise as a retail destination, which is well worth exploring, with an exciting programme of events.

Lots of work is going on behind the scenes and everyone is encouraged to note that the first-ever Lincoln BIG Fashion Week is taking place from May 16 to 21.

The idea has come about as a result of suggestions from our retail levy payers and initial talks with St Mark’s Shopping Centre Manager Val Hardy and the Waterside Shopping Centre’s Marketing Manager Chantelle Henderson.

This event is still in the early planning stages, but we want to make it as inclusive as possible. It will feature fashion, design, hairdressing, beauty and nails, and we are keen to get as many businesses, both independent and national, involved.

This major event will feature four pop-up events and will culminated in a grand fashion show on Friday, May 20, 2016 – in St Swithin’s Church, St Swithin’s Square.

The pop-ups will include a mobile catwalk show, which will be spread around the city centre and during the week, University of Lincoln Fashion Students’ outfits and millinery will be on show in a variety of locations.

Other dates to note include the Lincoln Dragon Boat Race on July 30, which Lincoln BIG is facilitating in conjunction with Ringrose Law. It is taking place on Brayford Pool.

2015 also saw a special addition to Lincoln BIG’s popular motoring events, staged on the city’s waterfront – the Independent Car Show. The good news is that we are bringing it back on August 14.

Continental markets are great for sparking memories of great holidays and there are three to look forward to in 2016. They are being staged in the High Street, from March 17 to 20; June 9 to 12 and September 29 to October 2.

Major investment by Lincoln’s pubs, clubs and restaurants means that it is also well worth people planning a night out in the city or perhaps staying in town after work. There really is something to suit all tastes.

Lincoln is poised for exciting times as 2014 gets underway and I hope that the improved economic outlook will encourage more people to get behind the push to raise the city’s game.

Last year (2013) Lincoln BIG witnessed first-hand how tough it was for many business owners to stay motivated at a time of ongoing uncertainty and tight purse strings and we took as creative an approach as possible to support them.

Achievements-wise, we were proud to lead the way in staging 150 events.

We also produced enhanced security products and services for our levy payers and took every opportunity to bid for European monies, so that we could launch new initiatives.

Throughout we have continued to work alongside the Visit Lincoln Partnership in an effort to drive up tourism and we have pushed for new signage and launched Lincoln Ambassadors, which has already proved its value in offering a warm welcome to visitors – notably during the crowd pulling Lincoln Christmas Market.

I believe that transport, shopping, tourism and the growth of digital technologies will continue to impact on the city during 2014, when businesses and visitors will start to spot physical changes to the streetscape.

Major investment plans promise a start on the long-awaited East-West Link Road (in September) and the Brayford Wharf East Railway Footbridge and potential High Street Footbridge.

This programme of work will be complemented by the pedestrianisation of the section of the High Street between St Mary-le-Wigford and St Mark’s, making it easier for people on foot.

Interestingly, our research has shown there is heavier foot traffic in this area than we originally thought.

Millions of pounds have been invested in the Lincoln Castle Revealed project.

Intense interest in the revelations of archaeological investigations at the site, along with investment in other tourist hot spots and the push to win more conference and meetings business for Lincoln, also have good potential to bring more people into the city.

What is certain is that the challenges and opportunities created by the fast-paced digital age can only grow, particularly in the fields of web-based communications, with mobile options leading the way.

At Lincoln BIG we continue to respond to that trend, through the effective use of the Visit Lincoln website and social media channels, in additional to traditional public relations and marketing methods.

Whatever 2014 brings, the most important thing to think about is how the City responds to and manages the changes which are coming its way.

It is imperative that we grasp and make the most of any changes to improve life for our businesses, residents and visitors – rather than allow them to become missed opportunities.

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