Refurbishment work has started at Lincoln Central Market.

Initial works began in April to the grade II listed Central Market following investment from Historic England through the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme, which has enabled a programme of historic building restorations designed to revitalise the area and uncover the city’s rich history.

Around £5.9 million investment has also been earmarked for the project thanks to a successful bid for funding through the Be Lincoln Town Deal, which has seen £19 million awarded to the city by government to drive economic regeneration and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth.

The market was first built in 1937 to the design of architect Robert Atkinson and incorporates the relocated façade of the original 1737 butter market which was located at St Peters at Arches in Lincoln.

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The proposed scheme is for the major regeneration of the Central Market building, which will include:

• The opening up of the blind arches on the north and east elevations

• A new mezzanine floor and relocation of the existing butcher and fishmonger stalls into the main market hall under the mezzanine incorporating its own glazed entrance

• Replacement roofing and glazed lantern

• Demolition of the butcher's corridor to the south of the building and the construction of a new two storey extension to accommodate a new restaurant with a roof terrace

• New heating and lighting in the building

• Freestanding stalls in the interior space of a contemporary, minimal design for local businesses to promote local produce and an area within the centre of the Market Hall to accommodate seating for the associated food outlets within the stalls.

• Unisex toilets including disabled and baby changing facilities.

It is also proposed to repave and enhance external areas in City Square and Sincil Street to encourage the evening economy, with space for outdoor dining by the waterway and events.

The vision is to stem the decline in footfall, occupancy and turnover by reinventing the market to create a hybrid offer which combines local produce, food and non-food retailing, with expanded food and beverage and communal dining.

The addition of the mezzanine level will allow for additional seating and flexible uses. The creation of the standalone restaurant unit within the new two storey extension, will create a further ‘destination’ dining space as well as supporting the evening economy.