The fate of one of Lincoln's most well-known shops is being decided today.
Councillors are meeting to consider a proposal to demolish House of Fraser in Lincoln's High Street and build a 150-room hotel on the site.
The scheme is being discussed at the City of Lincoln Council's planning committee at a virtual meeting from 2pm today, Wednesday, May 20.
The project has been recommended for approval by council officials who have looked into the scheme - although ultimately it is up to elected councillors to decide.
Follow our live blog for the latest developments and the all important decisions from the meeting.
We've asked a few people what they think of the idea
Jill Wilson questioned the sense of not having parking on site meaning that guests will instead use Lucy Tower Street car park.
She posted in our Lincoln News and Views Facebook group: “Who’s going to walk that far when other hotels have on-site car parking?”
And Beryl Collinge said the demolition of the department store would be a “terrible shame”.
What about parking?
The meeting heard that although there will be no parking provided on site, there is capacity at Lucy Tower Street car park.
'House of Fraser is a building that's had it's day'
Councillor Ron Hills welcomed the development and said: “The existing building is tired.
“It’s a building that has already had its day.”
He added that he did have concerns about the practicalities of demolition, construction and day to day running.
However, Kieron Manning explained that these issues would be addressed before any work commences.
'This will help Lincoln's economic recovery'
Tim Waring, speaking for the applicant, said the hotel would help in Lincoln’s economic recovery post Covid-19.
He said: “We think this will be a great opportunity to assist in re-starting the local economy’s recovery that we will be faced with shortly.”
We've just heard some good news about jobs
Mr Manning has just said that the hotel will create 100 jobs, as well as 90 in the construction phase.
Hotel operator confirmed
Planning officer Kieron Manning has just confirmed that the site owner has now confirmed that the hotel would be operated by Radisson Hotels, meaning it is not a merely speculative venture.
He said that in lieu of a firm commitment from Sports Direct as to the building’s lease, the applicant has taken a “defensive position” to secure its long-term future.
What are people saying about the idea?
Local residents and businesses have raised concerns about full demolition, lack of parking, delivery arrangements, the use of St Peter’s Passage, disruption from building, the loss of the department store and jobs, the modern design of building in context and there already being too many bars, restaurants and hotels.
Lincoln Civic Trust does not object to the principle of full demolition and re-build. However, it questions the viability of use by a major hotel company.
The trust adds that the design of building is pleasing but that it could make more of a statement.
The hotel scheme is recommended for approval
Council officers have recommended that councillors approve the scheme on condition of the following:
Timeframe of permission - Standard ·
Approved Plans –Standard
Material samples for all external materials
Archaeology
Contamination
Noise assessment with regard to external plant and machinery
Construction Environmental Management Plan;
Highway construction management plan
Building Recording Survey
Travel Plan to be in place before operation
Stage 1 Road Safety Audit
Highway works to be completed before occupation.
Delivery and servicing arrangements to the implemented before use.
Kitchen extract system to be submitted.
Hard and soft landscaping details for courtyard to be approved.
But the application will be debated before any decision is reached.
Who is behind the scheme?
The site owner and applicant is Halifax Pension Nominees Ltd c/o Patriza Property Investment.
The meeting agenda indicates that the owner is in advanced talks with a hotel operator which would open a four star hotel.
The council said: “Whilst the operator of the hotel has not yet been confirmed, the applicant has confirmed that there has been significant market interest for a hotel use on the site and on submission of the application were in ‘advanced negotiations with an international brand hotel operator, who proposes to deliver a 4* lifestyle hotel.’.
“The applicant has therefore submitted the current scheme which would, if granted, safeguard against a highly prominent site within Lincoln’s High Street becoming vacant.”
The meeting is about to get started
The hotel proposal is the second item on the agenda. First up is work to trees owned by the council.
Here's what's being proposed
The proposal is a four-star 150 bedroom ‘lifestyle’ hotel to be built on the site of House of Fraser in Lincoln city centre. Permission is also sought to demolish the department store.
The scheme comprises a five storey hotel on the corner of Mint Street and High Street with shops on the ground floor.
Guests would enter via a two-storey entrance off Mint Street, which would also include a bar, with a restaurant and gym in another two-storey building on the corner of Mint Street and Mint Lane.
A courtyard garden is also proposed behind the hotel entrance, accessible via the hotel, Mint Lane or St Peter’s Passage.
The narrow alleyway, currently closed due to anti-social behaviour, would be widened and reopened for access.
The operator of the hotel has not yet been confirmed, but the applicant has confirmed it is in “advanced negotiations with an international brand hotel operator, who proposes to deliver a 4* lifestyle hotel”.
