Disappointment as pedestrian bridge in Lincoln set to be demolished

Residents say it’s a ‘shame’ that the pedestrian bridge will be demolished soon.

The footbridge, which spans Lincoln’s Melville Street, is expected to be knocked down in May as part of a new hotel being built on the neighbouring site by Lincolnshire Co-op.

They say the bridge is a ‘barrier to development, both logistically and in terms of visual impact’.

An exact date is still to be confirmed, and is expected to take place over a weekend to minimise the impact.

The bridge is known for the stunning views it provides of Lincoln Cathedral, and connects the city centre with the Monks Road area.

Several people tsaid they would miss it.

Kay Fleming, who runs nearby Fabric Corner, said: “It’s a shame it has to go. It’s a local landmark.

“I don’t know how many of our customers use it, but some are definitely more comfortable using it than the crossings.

“We call it the scenic route because you get such a good view at the top. It’s hard work, but you’re rewarded up there.

“I feel the loss will be closing businesses on this road off a bit. We’re lucky we have a crossing nearby, but there’s a lot of residents who use it to get to the High Street.”

A shopper named Diana said of the bridge: “I miss you already!

She added: “It’s very useful if you have children and need to get a pram over. I use it all the time.”

Chris Lane said: “There’s a constant trickle of people going across it. Many of the 800 people at Siemens use it on their lunchbreak.

“It’s a shame it couldn’t be saved by tidying up a bit.”

Another person on his lunch break, also named Chris, said: “It’s a shame it’s going, but you can kind of see why – it’s looking its age.

“I like to keep moving, so I prefer the climb of the bridge to going over the crossings.”

Planning permission for the demolition and the multi-million-pound development was given by the City of Lincoln Council in 2023.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Head of Property Kevin Kendall said: “The redevelopment of this large-scale site is complex so it does take time and a lot of work behind the scenes before work is evident.

“Now the demolition of the City Square Centre is complete, it’s a real physical reminder that this project to redevelop this key city centre site is moving forward.

“A new hotel will help Lincoln’s tourism economy and we’re looking forward to announcing more details about the plan, and residential schemes on the rest of the site, later this year.”