Lincoln University reveals its ten year vision for Brayford Campus

Artist's impression of Lincoln University's Brayford Campus in ten years Credit: University of Lincoln

The University of Lincoln is planning new academic buildings, office space and future accommodation at its Brayford Campus over the next years. An outline planning application has been sent to the City of Lincoln Council setting out the masterplan for the area's development.

The designs also show how the campus could accommodate more cafes, restaurants, shops and even a hotel. A multi-storey car park could also be built near to the existing Enterprise building off Ropewalk, which would replace the existing staff car park. Construction of the first development which is the new School of Art and Design has already started.

Other proposals include an expansion of the University’s award-winning Great Central Warehouse Library which opened in 2005 on the site of a derelict Victorian goods and grain warehouse. The proposed extension would see it double in size to around 10,000 square metres, subject to planning permission.

The first building on the Brayford Pool Campus was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 1996. Lincoln was the first new city centre campus to be built in the UK for decades. Since then new buildings such as the Great Central Warehouse Library, Engine Shed, Engineering Hub and Business and Law Faculty have been created. Some have been new constructions, while others have been sympathetic conversions of existing buildings, winning various regeneration awards.

The latest masterplan for the Brayford Pool Campus sets out the potential for new development on the campus, in terms of what may be needed and where it could be accommodated. In total, around 100,000 sq. m. of additional floor space could in theory be created on the campus, if every aspect of the masterplan went ahead.

3D model of the proposed developments at Brayford Campus Credit: University of Lincoln

The new masterplan aims to improve integration of the campus with the city centre, both for pedestrians and cyclists and develop its relationship with the wider Brayford Pool area.

Surveys have been carried out to ensure cathedral views are preserved, wildlife is protected and traffic is not adversely affected.