Between 8 February and 22 February, City of Lincoln Council carried out a survey to gather the views of residents, traders, and stakeholders.
This was regarding proposals to restore and repurpose the Grade II listed Central Market building in Lincoln city centre.
In total 723 responses were received as part of this survey.
The redevelopment of the Central Market is identified by the city council as a key project to encourage economic recovery and growth and is included as part of the city council’s successful funding bid under the government’s Town Deal funding programme.
The proposed scheme will restore this Grade II listed building to create a modern and diversified market offer combining retail, food and drink and the opportunity for other uses, responding to local needs and changing shopping trends.
Overall, there has been a positive response to the proposals from those who have completed the survey, indicating a clear appetite for a new market offer. Some of the key findings of this survey included:
- Whilst 81% of respondents said that they visit the market, 64% indicated that they currently visit it less than once a week
- The majority of people who currently visit the market do so to purchase fresh food, and this is something that people wish to see retained in the new market offer
- Respondents are keen to see a wide-ranging food and beverage offer that can also cater for the evening and night-time economy
- There is support for a wide variety of stalls during the day, with a focus on local and artisan products, in a space that can also be utilised for cultural events
- Respondents stated that they would visit the market more often if there was a greater variety of stalls/produce on offer
- 72% of responders would like to see the stone arches replaced with glazing
- It was considered that the current market building didn’t feel overly welcoming from the outside and that the opening up of the stone arches would benefit the relationship of the building with the outside public realm and brighten the internal space
- The opening up of the stone arches around the building would also create a much more useable internal space, that would be lighter and more appropriate for a range of activities
- 91% of respondents would use City Square as somewhere to sit and eat lunch, if seating was provided
- 71% of people would like to see the operating hours of the market extended to cater for the evening economy
- In the extended operating hours people said that they would like the market to be used for the following purposes:
- Open mic events
- Entertainment/live music
- Evening shopping
- Food and drink offer
- Quality street food
- Craft and vintage stalls
- Exhibitions for local artists / students / crafts people
- 92% of people are keen to see City Square used for events throughout the year, and these may include:
- Christmas market stalls
- Live music events
- Ice rink
- Outdoor theatre
- Farmers market and craft stalls
- Respondents suggested that the following community services could be included as part of the market offer:
- Place for children to play and do arts & crafts
- Information on the city for visitors
- Public facing council services
- Community advice centre
Maria Clayton, Capital Projects Manager at City of Lincoln Council said: ‘’The survey sought to keep stakeholders, local businesses and the public aware of the progression of the scheme as well as providing an opportunity for feedback on exactly what the residents of Lincoln want from their market, and where appropriate and possible their views will be fed into the design of the scheme.
“The city council values and appreciates this feedback and would like to thank all those who took part in the survey.”
Cllr Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council added: “By restoring the Grade II Lincoln Central Market and City Square, we feel we can create a strong, sustainable indoor and outdoor market offer in Lincoln.
“This will create an anchor destination within the Cornhill Quarter which will support high quality independent trading, promoting local produce and start-up retail and creative businesses.
“I am pleased with the number of responses we have received, which clearly shows the interest our residents have in improving what this area of the city has to offer.”
If you would like to read the full the survey results and its analysis you can find it here.
If you have further questions in relation to this survey, please contact Michael Hurtley of the City of Lincoln Council: Michael.Hurtley@lincoln.gov.uk