Lincoln described as a ‘building site’ amid six-storey hotel plans
Locals in Lincoln[1] have welcomed plans for a six-storey-hotel which would replace the “never used” footbridge that goes over the top of a busy central road. The 150-bed hotel would be located on the corner of Sincil Street and Waterside South and will be discussed at a City of Lincoln Council meeting on Wednesday, April 19.
Revisions to the original seven-storey plans were submitted to the city council on March 8, 2023, following discussions to maintain the Cathedral[2] and Castle views. Locals passing through the area said a hotel would make a good replacement for the current footbridge in the area.
Amy Robinson, 27, who lives in Ruskington, said: “It’s a good idea but I and my friend often joke that Lincoln is like a building site. I have never used the footbridge before because I use the crossing.
Poll – How often do you shop in Lincoln city centre?[3]
Proposed image of what the new Waterside Hotel would look like (Image: LDR)
“I’m not surprised the hotel might be built because of all the work on the Cornhill.” Vitumbiko Mawaya, 23, who also lives in Ruskington, said: “Clearly people are still using the footbridge but I believe it would have better use for a hotel as it’s right next to the car park.”
Andre Costa, 25, who lives in Lincoln, said: “It would be fair enough to build a hotel there as no one actually uses the footbridge so it wouldn’t really make that much difference.” Another local, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I’m surprised it is being planned but the footbridge has never been much use.”
The hotel plans are part of Lincolnshire Co-operative’s major rejuvenation of the former City Square Centre site and will include specialist accommodation for older people. A City of Lincoln Council[4] report states: “It is considered that the proposed hotel will help meet the need for visitor accommodation in the city centre, and provide wider public benefits through improvements to public realm and increased activity to Melville Street, investment within the city and contributing to the vitality and viability of the city centre.
“The revised scheme as shown on the indicative plans would be an enhancement to the street scene by developing this gap site and removing the pedestrian footbridge over Melville Street, to the benefit of the character and appearance of the conservation area.”
References
- ^ Lincoln (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Cathedral (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Poll – How often do you shop in Lincoln city centre? (ngx.me)
- ^ City of Lincoln Council (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)