Graphic design firm to move into former pub

Banks Long & Co director James Butcher and Optima Graphic Design Consultants managing director Simon Shaw inside the old pub

A graphic design firm is set to move into a disused pub in Lincoln city centre.

Optima Graphic Design Consultants will move into the former Duke of Wellington pub on Broadgate.

Managing director Simon Shaw said: “I am delighted with the progress being made and that work to refurbish the building is currently ahead of schedule. That means we are on course to relocate from our West Parade offices in February 2019.

“Optima currently employs 19 people. But the move will see us double our current workspace and we hope to increase our team. However, our move is a designed to be a longer-term investment which will give us the capacity to employ up to 30 people in the years ahead.”

Lincoln agent Banks Long & Co sold the pub on behalf of its former owner, Lincolnshire Co-op.

The Duke of Wellington pub is a Lincoln landmark, but has stood empty since 2011 and was, at one stage, earmarked for demolition.

Once a thriving pub, it once boasted pool and darts teams, hosted upper floor functions and was a place known for its live music. The Bivouac Club was based on the first floor and hosted Pulp, Saxon, Ten Pole Tudor and The Killers.

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