Applications for a £150 million redevelopment of Lincoln’s St Marks area have been submitted to the City Council.
The plans were put forward by land owner Standard Life Investments, who want to create a new retail and living complex, a larger public space, up to 2,000 new jobs, better links around Lincoln, and much more.
As reported by the St Marks consultation website, key elements of the plan include:
- Up to 485,000 sq ft of new retail and leisure
- Up to 150 new residential units
- Up to 1,100 new student residences
- A hotel of up to 130 rooms
- A car park of up to 1,100 spaces
- A brand new cinema and waterside restaurants
Since the announcement of the proposed plans, opinions have been mixed among the Lincoln community. Benjamin Clements, 21, said he finds it “a waste that they are closing down certain businesses just to make way for new ones”. On the other hand, Steven Morris, 40, says that he is “worried about businesses being moved”, but otherwise thinks it will be “great for the community.”
David Stewart of Standard Life Investments said: “We’re confident that our proposals have the potential to significantly enhance this important gateway to the city centre by attracting new retailers, creating new investment and housing, and generating between 1,400 and 2,000 new jobs in Lincoln.”
If the plans are approved, or if certain milestones are met, work on the St Marks area could begin as early as 2020. The redevelopment is approximated to finish by the end of 2023 or early 2024.