Extra funding for Lincoln transport hub scheme

The transport hub is part of wider plans to regenerate Lincoln city centre

Plans for a £29m transport hub in Lincoln have moved a step closer after councillors approved extra funding.

The City of Lincoln Council's executive agreed an additional £858,000 to help develop the project at a meeting on Tuesday.

The scheme, which involves several partners, includes a new bus station next to the city's train station and a 1,000-space car park.

The authority also agreed to submit a planning application in June.

The current bus station in Lincoln handles up to 30,000 passengers a day

The development, which includes the provision of more cycle spaces and lanes, is part of wider plans to regenerate Lincoln city centre.

Ric Metcalfe, leader of the council, said the city was in "dire need" of a new bus station to cope with increased passenger numbers

"It is therefore essential we do everything within our power to progress this much needed project," he said.

The council's executive has so far agreed funding of £2.1m towards the scheme.

If approved, and other funding is secured, it would be delivered by the city council in partnership with Lincolnshire Co-operative and Network Rail, working alongside East Midlands Trains and Lincolnshire County Council.

Work could start in 2016 and would take two and a half years to complete.