Lincoln Cornhill Market’s fresh produce space to be removed before ever being used

The fresh produce space in a city centre market is being removed before ever being used.

The space, which was designed for butchers or fishmongers at Lincoln’s Cornhill Market, will be turned into general stallspace behind sliding doors.

The market – previously known as the Central Market – reopened after a £8m refurbishment in May 2024.

The application by the City of Lincoln Council was approved by its planning committee on Wednesday evening.

Planning manager Kieron Manning told the meeting: “This are was originally designed for a butchers or fishmongers.

“Unfortunately, these have not been able to be secured for the market.”

Coun Callum Roper (Lab) said he believed the changes would ‘enhance the building’, and wouldn’t affect the historic parts of the building.

One of the nearby stalls will also be reduced in height to create deli counters, giving better views to the new area under the mezzanine floor.

The council is currently in talks with a number of potential tenants, the meeting was told.

The market has previously been criticised for its vacancy rate, although the city council has insisted that it is improving.

Liberal Democrat councillor James Brown previously described it as an ‘embarassing flop’.

Coun Joshua Wells (Lab), the portfolio holder for economic growth, responded: “The old Central Market was very sad and tired.

“The market is now busier than it used to be. It’s more modern, dynamic and inviting.”

He said at the time that it was ‘at 67 percent occupancy – not far off our 70 percent business case, and close to the national average’.