Revamped historic Lincoln market opening pushed back to 2024

Despite the work being completed, councillors said traders needed time to prepare

The opening date of a £10m market refurbishment in Lincoln has been pushed back until early 2024.

Work to transform the former Central Market into a modern hub for food, drink and retail began in May 2022.

City of Lincoln Council had initially aimed for an autumn opening, but the impact of Storm Babet delayed work on the area around the building.

Despite the work now being completed, councillors said traders needed more time to prepare.

Repaving work at City Square was delayed by Storm Babet, the council said

It had been hoped the revamped market would open in time for the festive period, but the authority's portfolio holder for inclusive economic growth, Naomi Tweddle, told a meeting the market would now launch early next year.

"We are working hard to ensure we have the right mix of traders to reflect our vision for the market, and will be making some very exciting trader announcements in the coming weeks," she said.

Work has included opening up the arches on the building with new glazing, along with a new roof and mezzanine floor.

"Add into this the work that has been done on City Square, which will be used for outdoor events next year onwards, alongside the already opened Turtle Bay and we have an exciting focal point in the heart of the Cornhill Quarter for shoppers in Lincoln to head to," Ms Tweddle added.

Work to transform the Grade II listed building into a modern hub for food, drink and retail started in May 2022

It is anticipated the market would operate at least five days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday, allowing traders a break on Monday and Tuesday, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.