The renovation of Lincoln’s Cornhill Market has been named Regeneration and Restoration Project of the Year at the annual East Midlands Property Dinner Awards 2024.

Lindum delivered the £8.75 million regeneration of the Grade II listed Cornhill Market on behalf of City of Lincoln Council, which had financial support from Town Deal and Historic England.

The project was completed with an array of project partners, including designers John Roberts Architects, who together transformed the historic market into a vibrant and sustainable destination for retail, dining, and community events.

Construction for the Market project began in 2022, with the vision of revitalising the historic building in the heart of Lincoln. The project aimed to create a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable space, catering to a variety of commercial uses and meeting the evolving needs of both businesses and consumers.

Key to the project’s success was preserving the market’s original 1930s façade, signs, and clock while incorporating modern enhancements. The modernised space now features an indoor market with bespoke timber stalls, a food court, a new mezzanine, and upgraded public amenities.

The project also placed a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, with a thermally efficient double-glazed roof reducing the need for excessive heating. Additionally, 100% of the waste generated during construction was recycled, and efforts to reduce the project’s carbon footprint, including car-sharing initiatives and walking to work, saved over 23 metric tons of CO2.

The refurbishment not only focused on positive environmental impact but also aimed to create a vibrant public space. The City Square area, next to the Market, also benefitted from repaving which was designed to accommodate outdoor stalls, al fresco dining, and community events, enhancing the social and commercial activity in the city.

Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said: “Winning this award is an incredible achievement for our council and is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our staff, who have ensured that the Cornhill Market regeneration is of the highest quality.

“We would also like to thank our partners at Lindum Group, whose expertise and commitment were crucial in bringing this vision to life and preserving the market as a jewel in the heart of our city, blending the old with the new.

“Cornhill Market complements the wider investment we’ve seen in the Cornhill Quarter, filled with a variety of businesses, dining options, and events. It is a destination that Lincoln can be proud of, and we cannot wait to see it continue to flourish.”

The award ceremony was held at the East Midlands Conference Centre and hosted by Insider Media Ltd. It celebrated excellence across the region’s property, real estate, and construction sectors and highlighted the council’s innovative approach to urban regeneration.

Lindum Group Co-Chairman, Edward Chambers, said the award recognised the determination of the project team to deliver a modern retail centre while preserving many elements of the original 1930s building. 

He said: “The Cornhill Market scheme is a brilliant example of using what is already there, rather than starting something new from scratch. It just goes to show we can work in a sustainable way to bring these older buildings up to a better standard of environmental performance, while maintaining the important heritage of the city.

“It has been a real ‘local’ effort, with 74 per cent of our subcontractor spend within 20 miles of site and 66 per cent spent within 10 miles, which means the council’s initial investment continues to circulate within the local economy.

“In addition, 19 different apprentices and trainees worked on this project during its construction so not only has the finished market helped to preserve the past, but it’s also played its part in securing the future of our industry too.”

By blending historical preservation with modern retail and leisure needs, City of Lincoln Council and Lindum Group have successfully delivered a long-lasting, energy-efficient marketplace that supports local businesses and enhances the community experience.