The need for a hotel in Lincoln

Tourism makes a significant contribution to Lincoln’s economy with 3.3 million tourists visiting per annum, generating over £130 million and supporting 2,000 jobs.

It is widely understood by City of Lincoln Council that to support and enhance this status, there is a need for further accommodation options to be developed within the city centre. We strongly believe that our proposals for a new hotel in The Cornhill Quarter will both meet this local need and support the wider growth of Lincoln and its economy.

The Consultation Draft Local Plan (2021) notes that Lincoln is not a seasonal destination and is busy all year round, with visitor accommodation, especially hotels, enjoying year-round occupancy. Currently, hotel room occupancy rates in Lincoln are very high (80%) with hotels frequently full and forced to turn business away.

The draft Plan states that continuing growth in population, investment by businesses, rapidly expanding universities, and investment in and rejuvenation of tourist destinations will continue to attract increasing numbers of visitors to the area.

The draft Plan also refers to the “Hotel Fact File”, prepared on behalf of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Economic Partnership. This identified that Lincoln’s priority hotel development need is for luxury boutique hotels, that will complement the existing and planned budget, 3- and 4-star hotels. Development of high-quality boutique hotels will support the city to provide comparable accommodation to that available in similar heritage city destinations. We will be mindful of this when talking to potential hotel operators for the site, if planning permission is granted.