City of Lincoln Council, alongside its letting agents Eddisons Incorporating Banks Long & Co, has officially opened applications for businesses wishing to trade in the newly renovated Cornhill Market.
Currently undergoing a major transformation, formerly known as Lincoln Central Market, the Cornhill Market is set to open in the autumn, with traders beginning to open in the market from 1 October.
This exciting regeneration project aims to create a perfect blend of a traditional city marketplace and a high-quality food hall, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors and traders alike.
The new Cornhill Market will be known for its exceptional produce and the unforgettable experience it offers.
Funded by a £5.9 million investment from the government's Towns Fund programme through the 'Be Lincoln Town Deal', and additional funding of £918,000 from Historic England, the renovation project includes opening blind arches, constructing a new mezzanine floor and relocating existing butcher and fishmonger stalls to the main market hall.
It has also been confirmed as part of the regeneration project, Caribbean-inspired bar and restaurant Turtle Bay will open its first Lincolnshire venue on the site later this year.
Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for established and up and coming businesses to open in a new central hub for local produce in the city.
"We are very excited to be opening the Cornhill Market this autumn, alongside the newly paved City Square.
"The vision for the market has, for some time, been to design a building of destination, an attractive and modern retailing and leisure space, offering a mix of stalls and delivering a place where people want to visit and dwell rather than simply pass by en-route to the High Street or the Transport links in the city.
"Thanks to funding from government's Towns Fund programme through Be Lincoln and Historic England's High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), The Cornhill Market will create a sustainable future for this important historical asset."
Letting agents Eddisons Incorporating Banks Long & Co, who will be taking trader applications on behalf of City of Lincoln Council said: "We are looking for distinctive independent businesses that can contribute to a diverse array of eating and drinking options. We have a central seating area where visitors can enjoy a meal or some drinks or opt to take produce away to savour at home.
"We are also seeking traders with a passion for non-food products and services. Our vision is to showcase a selection of non-food options, potentially including hand-crafted gifts, jewellery, homeware, original artwork, a repair shop, ceramics and flowers.
"To keep the market atmosphere fresh and dynamic, we aim to incorporate a rotating variety of pop-up stalls for both food and non-food retail, ensuring that every visit to the Cornhill Market offers something new and exciting.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for business to thrive in a modern, dynamic, and inclusive environment while benefiting from Lincoln's rich history and heritage.
"We have already heard that there are a number of businesses excited to be a part of this exciting new chapter in Lincoln's history."
Liam Scully, Chair of the Be Lincoln Town Deal Board, added: "By restoring and repurposing the market building, the new Cornhill Market will create a modern and diversified market offer, combining retail, food, leisure and technology.
"The Be Lincoln Town Deal Board are proud to support the creation of this anchor destination with the Cornhill Quarter, which is emerging as a prime leisure and retail area in the city."
To find out more about the Cornhill Market, and to apply to be a new trader in the venue, visit: The Cornhill Market