The success of transforming a city through the Be Lincoln Town Deal
Across Lincoln, remarkable transformations are happening. From the charm of quiet cobbled lanes to the innovation bubbling in cutting-edge labs, the city is alive with a buzz, an infectious confidence in its future.
The story of Lincoln is regeneration, exampled by the success of the University of Lincoln, built on a derelict rail goods yard in 1996, it has grown from 500 students to 14,500.
City of Lincoln Council’s vision is to deliver Lincoln’s ambitious future with partners. The Be Lincoln Town Deal, a government-funded programme, supports this vision, aiming to cultivate Lincoln as a thriving heritage city and economic hub. By harnessing digitalisation to drive investment, productivity, skills, innovation, business growth and employment, the Town Deal has helped to define Lincoln as a sustainable, smart, and prosperous place to live, work, and visit.
Successfully completed projects
Cornhill Market
Completed in May 2024, the Cornhill Market has emerged as a vibrant destination for food, shopping, and leisure. Featuring local independent traders offering everything from street food to bespoke gifts, the market embodies a new era of urban vitality. Designed with sustainability and flexibility, new features include blind stone arches on the north and east elevations opened up with windows, a mezzanine level, repaving in City Square and further restoration throughout.
This rejuvenation is more than an aesthetic upgrade; it has delivered a commercially viable and sustainable space for a range of uses, meeting the changing needs and demands of a city centre for both consumers and businesses, helping to stimulate new and different types of economic activity.
Lincoln Community Grocery
Lincoln Community Grocery Store, which relocated to its permanent home at Beaumont Manor in 2022 with Town Deal funding, alleviates and addresses urgent issues of food poverty and waste, while fostering economic opportunities. Through its innovative model of providing affordable, surplus food, it empowers local families and supports health issues.
Beyond groceries, the project offers training, volunteering, and work placement opportunities, promoting resilience within the community. This initiative, spearheaded by Acts Trust in partnership with local organisations, demonstrates the transformative power of collective action to address social challenges.
HEAT Institute
The Hospitality, Events, Arts, and Tourism (HEAT) Institute at Lincoln College has provided employer-led training facilities, designed to offer critical support across the city and surrounding areas. By partnering with educational institutions and industry leaders, HEAT delivers cutting-edge education and the opportunity for students to earn while they learn with hands-on opportunities, from a range of new apprentices to T-Levels in Hospitality and Tourism and Catering.
HEAT’s reach extends beyond students, offering training to help bridge skills gaps and drive innovation among local businesses.
Current Projects
Greyfriars Restoration
Having started in September 2024, the restoration of the 13th-century Greyfriars building will transform it into an interactive heritage attraction. This project ensures the preservation of an iconic site, enriching Lincoln’s cultural offering while supporting year-round tourism.
The Barbican Creative Hub
The Barbican will soon house a creative hub designed to foster the growth of Lincoln’s flourishing creative talent. Featuring studios, members’ lounge, flexible co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and a stunning café bar, it will anchor regional innovation and amplify local, creative voices. Opening in 2025, this hub exemplifies how the strategic reuse of historic structures can fuel modern economic growth.
Impact on the Community and Businesses
The Be Lincoln Town Deal has significantly improved Lincoln’s economy and its offerings. Local businesses have benefited from increased foot traffic, training programs, and new collaboration spaces. Residents now have enhanced access to resources, opportunities, and cultural experiences, fostering pride and a renewed sense of belonging.
Moreover, Lincoln’s commitment to heritage and innovation has strengthened its identity as a forward-looking city with deep roots. This balance of preserving the past while embracing the future has resonated with tourists, residents, and investors alike, positioning Lincoln as a model of urban sustainability.
Looking Ahead
Town Deal Board’s success is reflected by the breadth of the projects that sit within the overall programme. It has gotten under the city’s skin to understand and support Lincoln, driving forward an improved public realm and leisure and heritage offer while addressing the need for inclusive growth. As the funding concludes, the council is already planning for the next exciting phase. Lincoln’s inclusive growth strategy and city centre master plan will guide future efforts, aligning with the community’s long-term vision.
The Town Deal Board will become the Lincoln Place Board, continuing to oversee and steward development across the city. This collaborative structure will ensure all stakeholders, from local businesses to community groups, have a voice in shaping Lincoln’s future.
Investments catalysed by the Town Deal have laid a foundation of innovation, resilience, and opportunity. Moving forward, the city will leverage this progress to attract future investment and expand initiatives in heritage and digital landscapes.
To conclude, the Be Lincoln Town Deal has proven what can be achieved through partnership, vision, and action, continuing the collaborative spirit that built the university and regenerated the city. Addressing immediate needs while preparing for long-term growth has set Lincoln on a trajectory of sustainable prosperity, ensuring the city continues to thrive as a place where history meets possibility.
About the author
Formed in 2006, the Institute of Place Management is the international professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing and making places better.