Lincoln's old police station 'to be sold soon'

The former West Parade Police Station

A former Lincoln police station dubbed the Ryvita building is expected to be sold "in the coming months", says the crime commissioner.

Constructed in 1973 to a design which resembles the popular rye bread, it closed in 2019 and police relocated to a new station in South Park.

Key worker flats, offices and student accommodation had previously been suggested as possible future uses.

Commissioner Marc Jones said sale funds would be re-invested in policing.

The landmark structure stands on a 1.13 acre (0.46 ha) site on the corner of West Parade and Beaumont Fee, and includes a car park.

It is being sold by informal tender with "best and final offers" submitted in February.

Mr Jones confirmed a potential sale was in its final stages, with a preferred bidder identified and contract negotiations under way.

"We hope a deal will be concluded in the coming months," Mr Jones told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"Any funds secured through the sale of the building will be re-invested in helping Lincolnshire Police to keep our communities safe."

Repurposing the building as affordable accommodation for key workers was mooted in 2020 as part of a project called The Hive which aimed to convert empty public buildings to deliver city living, digital learning and workspaces.