How we got here
2025
Construction of Stage One
In October 2025 construction started on stage one of the Lincoln Town Centre Plan. Works began with enabling works to set up the set and then moved into utility works to relocate services before moving into drainage works, roading works, new street lights, paving and footpath works and installation of new traffic signals. Find out more detail on stage one works.
2024
Starting the Lincoln Town Centre upgrade
The Lincoln Town Centre Plan was brought forward in the Long-Term Plan 2024-2034. With many new residents and rising traffic volumes on Gerald Street, the plan was reviewed in 2023 to ensure it remained relevant and reflected changes since 2016.
In October 2024, the Council announced that work was set to begin on the Lincoln Town Centre upgrade. Businesses on Gerald Street were invited to a breakfast session on 29 October 2024, to learn about the project, the four stages, timelines, and to meet with key staff involved.
The wider Lincoln community were invited to a public drop in session on 31 October 2024.
2018
Long-Term Plan 2018-2028
The Lincoln Town Centre Plan was confirmed in the 2018–2028 Long-Term Plan with a tentative start date of 2020. Due to a focus on other major projects, the plan was rescheduled to begin in 2028, in the 2021–2031 Long-Term Plan.
2016
Lincoln Town Centre Plan adopted
On 5 May 2016, the Council adopted the Lincoln Town Centre Plan, including a cost estimate and implementation plan.
The Plan has been designed around five key elements, which together create the built environment. They affect the way that the public uses a site or the surrounding area and can be thought of as the components of development. The five elements are:
- Buildings Lines and Active Frontages
- Public Space
- Moving (Walking, Cycling and Driving)
- Car Parking
- Use of Streets
The document developed projects within each of the identified three precincts, and subsequent actions for Council to undertake to support the traditional village character of the town centre as it grows. A comprehensive consultation process was undertaken. The purpose of consultation was to determine the level of public support for the various measures and projects proposed and to give people an opportunity to state their preferences, as to which project should be implemented first.
Relevant findings have been used to update the Lincoln Town Centre Plan and determine implementation priorities for individual projects.
Cross-section of parts of Gerald Street
Consultation and deliberation process
A total of 78 submissions were received with 77% of the submissions being in general support of the Lincoln Town Centre Plan. When submitters were asked which of the proposed Town Centre projects should have the highest (implementation) priority, the provision of dedicated, safe cycle lanes was listed as number one. Other projects that were regarded with high priority were traffic management, development of the Retail Core East Precinct and parking.
A hearing was held on 14 March 2016 inviting submitters to speak to their submission. Twelve submissions were heard by a hearing panel represented by four Councillors.
The hearing panel deliberated on the 15 March 2016 regarding the issues raised by submitters. Their decision has been incorporated into the Lincoln Town Centre document in Part F of the Lincoln Town Centre Plan.
Officer's Report [PDF, 3608 KB]
Submissions
Submissions for the Lincoln Town Centre Plan closed on 30 November 2015.
Thank you for your submissions on the proposed Draft Lincoln Town Centre Plan (LTCP). All submissions received on the LTCP have been summarised and are now available.
Summary of Submissions [PDF, 116 KB]
Hearing
Please note that it has been decided at the last Council meeting, that a Hearing will be held on the Draft Lincoln TC plan. The hearing will be run under the Local Government Act, with a panel of Councillors and a Chair Person leading the Hearing. Submitters have the opportunity to have their say, if they wish to be heard. An Officer’s report, which is summarising the project and cataloguing the points of interest/concerns, will be available before the Hearing.
2015
Take a look at Lincoln Town Centre
Lincoln residents and businesses are being invited to share their views on proposals for the future development of the town centre.
During November 2015 Selwyn District Council is consulting on the Draft Lincoln Town Centre Plan – which aims to help co-ordinate development in the town centre and to guide future Council investment.
The plan is designed to help the town centre remain a lively and prosperous business area, as it grows and develops. It aims to ensure that future development is of a high standard, while retaining its distinct village atmosphere.
The plan has been designed around five key themes:
- Promoting ‘active commercial frontage’, with buildings placed to the edge of the footpath and glass doors and windows facing the street. This design helps to create visual interest and supports a lively street scene for residents and visitors.
- Developing public spaces and squares with attractive landscaping, which can be used for markets, events and relaxation
- Ensuring the town centre design provides for connected and safe cycling and walking options, while allowing traffic to get through the township.
- Providing and managing adequate car parking within the town centre
- Designing streets that are suited to their purpose.
What’s proposed?
Take a look at the Summary Document [PDF, 2738 KB]
This summary sets out an overview of what’s proposed in the Draft Lincoln Town Centre Plan. Some of the key points include:
- The extent of the new town centre
- Background to the plan
- Three distinct, but connected precincts
- Costs and implementation plan
- Proposed projects:
- Gerald Street – active street frontage, cycling and walking
- Gerald Street Plaza – space for everyone to shop and get around
- Gerald Street – public spaces
- Explore Lincoln with a Wayfinder
Full details of proposals are in the Draft Lincoln Town Centre Plan [PDF, 4774 KB]