Council rejects claim revamped market 'a flop'
BBCCouncil leaders in Lincoln have dismissed opposition claims that a city centre market has become an "embarrassing flop" following a multimillion-pound refurbishment.
The two-year project to revamp the Cornhill Market - formerly known as Central Market - was completed in May last year at a cost of almost £8m.
The flagship development now has 12 empty units after three more businesses left the site at the end of 2024, councillors were told at a meeting on Tuesday.
It follows claims by a former stallholder that costs to trade in the building were "unsustainable".
'Listening to concerns'
Labour councillor Joshua Wells, portfolio holder for economic growth, told the full council meeting the market would succeed.
"We've been working intensively over Christmas to identify gaps – what both the council and stallholders can do – to improve occupancy and diversity of stalls," he said.
"It's at 67% occupancy – not far off our 70% business case, and close to the national average.
"Councillors need to be positive and support these businesses, many of which are fledgling."
Work to refurbish the former Lincoln Central Market was paid for by a £5.9m government programme and £1.9m of city council funding. Some additional funding from Historic England also contributed to the regeneration works.
Liberal Democrat councillor James Brown said he wanted the market to succeed, but said "all this public money invested has led to an embarrassing flop".
In response, Wells told the meeting: "I completely reject that – 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.
"We're working hard to resolve issues, listening to ideas and concerns," he added.
The Cookie People, PS I Fudge You, and Fabric Tattoos Embroidery all left the market in the final weeks of 2024, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
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