Host of brands sign up to £70m redevelopment of The Cornhill Quarter, Lincoln

Lincolnshire Co-op’s £70m redevelopment of The Cornhill Quarter has attracted some major retailers to its mixed used scheme in the centre of Lincoln. The new signings total 13,115sq ft, with the overall regeneration zone anticipated to deliver in excess of 150,000sq ft of mixed use commercial floorspace over a series of development phases.

The most recent of these lettings is Neon Sheep taking 1,711sq ft, along with a 1,600sq ft handmade Doughnotts’ branch, a 2,500sq ft Seasalt and a 7,304sq ft énergie Fitness. This also follows some other great signings for the scheme recently, including 200 Degrees and HMV. 

The opening of Neon Sheep and Doughnotts marks the expansion of these successful and unique businesses across the nation, with Doughnotts’ Lincoln store marking its fourth branch. The stationery and lifestyle brand Neon Sheep, started by Mountain Warehouse founder, has expanded in key locations throughout the UK. 

James Stocker, Senior Project Manager at Mountain Warehouse said:
 
“We’re so excited to have recently signed to be part of the redevelopment of The Cornhill Quarter. We can’t wait to share our vibrant and flourishing brand to the people of Lincolnshire. Watch out for the life-size pink sheep!”

Neon Sheep will be located just off Lincoln High Street, next to Doughnotts and the carefully restored Corn Exchange building, in a unit previously occupied by Game. Seasalt and énergie Fitness sit in phase two of the redevelopment, which has delivered 23,000 sq ft of retail space, as well as a bright, attractive walkway through to the multi-storey car park.

Tim Bradford, Managing Director at Banks Long & Co, said: 

“Neon Sheep is the latest major retailer which has demonstrated its confidence and commitment in The Cornhill Quarter development. Set against a difficult national background The Cornhill Quarter is ranking very highly with retailers, signifying the success and strength of this mixed use destination.”
 
Lincolnshire Co-op is undertaking this large-scale regeneration of the city centre. It recycles all profits locally meaning that it is local money unlocking the development and investing to create a unique cityscape. 

Ursula Lidbetter, Lincolnshire Co-op’s Chief Executive, commented: 

“The Cornhill Quarter is continuing to attract exciting brands for the city; we have been able to announce a number of names over the past few months which all bring something different and create an attractive mix for Lincoln. We are confident in our vision to create a destination for residents and tourists alike which is also the gateway to Lincoln City Centre.” 

The Cornhill Quarter scheme is rejuvenating a significant area of Lincoln’s retail pitch encompassing Cornhill, Sincil Street and St Mary’s Street, through a sensitive combination of repair, refurbishment, extension and new development. The first phase of the scheme, The Corn Exchange building, has been carefully restored and completed in 2017. 

Work is now reaching completion on the second phase of the redevelopment, and work has begun on the third phase of the scheme. This will see new units being built, including what will be the iconic Everyman Cinema and The Botanist. 

The scheme is also home to an array of other brands including; Cosy Club, Moss Bros., Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Thomas Cook, Lakeland and Co-op, all helping to create a revitalised city centre retail destination.

In addition, £30m has been invested in related transport infrastructure improvements and a further £1.5m to enhance the urban realm of the scheme.

Lincolnshire Co-op was represented by KLM Retail and Banks Long & Co.