Tourism is responsible for a huge part of Lincoln’s economy, but its fallen victim to budget cuts. This has affected the city, with the biggest tourism body losing funds and resulting in the closure of the Tourist Information Centre.
Heritage sites are also being attacked, with The Lawn falling early in the battle. The Lincoln City Council decided to sell the eight-acre area, which includes The Sir Joseph Banks Conservatory and surrounding cafes, after they could not afford to re-invest.
Although, many places are struggling, Ric Metcalfe, Leader of the Lincoln City Council, has revealed to LSJ News that there are exciting new plans to come. On Wednesday, he will meet to discuss about the proposed ‘Linden Gate’ development, a shopping centre to be built around the Sincil Street area, which will include a new bus station and car parks. The development also offers opportunity for fresh retail presence in the city.
It is hoped that ‘Linden Gate’ would increase tourism and help attract more than the 240, 000 shoppers that currently favour Lincoln for its shops. Mr Metcalfe believes that if the development goes ahead it will be successful in rejuvenating what our city has to offer.
Ella Meadowcroft finds out more.
