£1.8m stadium redevelopment given thumbs up

How the redeveloped Stacey West Stand could look

Plans to redevelop part of the LNER Stadium in Lincoln have been given the go-ahead by council planning bosses.

In November, Lincoln City FC submitted revised proposals to add around 700 seats to the Stacey West Stand and install a raft of new infrastructure at the ground, including a new mains water supply and a state-of-the-art pitch irrigation system.

The Sky Bet League One side’s original vision for the stand also included a third-tier hospitality suite, but the plans were redrawn after it was deemed the addition would pose an “unacceptable risk” to the club’s finances.

The pared back plans – which will reportedly create some 25 jobs – have now been approved, meaning capacity at the LNER Stadium will increase from 10,800 to 11,500.

A new Community Skills and Education Hub run by the Lincoln City Foundation will also be delivered as part of the £1.8m project.

Funding for the development has come from the Be Lincoln Town Deal board and the Stacey West Investment Bond.

Martin Hickerton, chief executive of Lincoln City Foundation, said: “This is fantastic news for everyone connected with the Foundation – he work we do in Lincoln and the surrounding area has never been more important.

“This will help us unlock the real potential of the Foundation and we cannot wait to watch the new building take shape.”

Charlotte Goy, Town Deal Board member and chief executive of Visit Lincoln, added: “The plans we have all been looking at over the last 18 months as Town Deal Board members are starting to come to life and we can begin to realise the positive impact they will make to Lincoln. We are delighted that the pledges included in the Town Deal original investment plan will be delivered for the benefit of the local community.”

The Imps recently posted operating losses of £2m for the year to 30 June 2022 despite enjoying a surge in matchday turnover.

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