Lindum Group is making progress on the refurbishment of the old Lincoln Central Market building.

Working on behalf of City of Lincoln Council, Lindum is transforming the old grade II listed central market building into a hub for retail and leisure in the heart of Lincoln.

The council has received £5.9 million in funding from the government’s Town Deal programme to complete the project, as well as funding from Historic England through the High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme.

Since work began in April, the inside of the market has been completely stripped, including the old market stalls and floors. Blind arches are having their stonework removed to be replaced with windows, to create a more open and light space.

The work will include the demolition of the butcher’s corridor and the construction of a new two-story extension, incorporating a restaurant with a roof terrace.

Mark Leason, contracts manager at Lindum Group, said: “This project provides an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into one of Lincoln’s most historic buildings. Lincoln city centre is quickly becoming a more modern and vibrant place to be and it means a lot to us at Lindum, being a local company, that we can play a part in the improvements being made.

“We have been part of the development of Lincoln’s centre for a while now, having completed work on the shop fronts on Sincil Street and the developments on Cornhill Quarter. We are very happy that we get to continue to improve this area and Lincoln city as a whole.”

The history of the market will be preserved, however, with the original façade, signs and clock being retained. The glass roof will be replaced with a new, identical version.

Maria Clayton, Capital Projects Manager for the City of Lincoln Council said: “The vision has 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.

“A successful Market will provide opportunities to support and nurture local business, creating jobs and opportunities for the local community and also provide opportunities to showcase local produce.”

The project is part of the government’s Be Lincoln Town Deal, a £19 million investment plan in which City of Lincoln Council has received funding to support the growth and development of the city.

Liam Scully, Chair of the Be Lincoln Town Deal Board added: “By restoring and repurposing the market building, this will create a modern and diversified market, combining retail, food, leisure and technology.

“In doing so, 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.”

Minister for Levelling Up Neil O’Brien said: “I am thrilled to learn that the £5.9 million refurbishment of Lincoln Central Market has started and that residents will soon be able to feel and experience the benefits of Towns Fund investment. The improvements to this historic market will increase visitor footfall, support local businesses and restore pride for the people of Lincoln.

“The project is a key plank of the ambitious proposals set out in Lincoln’s £19m Town Deal. We are levelling up communities like Lincoln up and down the country and delivering on our mission to spread prosperity to every part of the country, as set out in The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill earlier this month.”