Shipping container to be transformed into community hub

A shipping container is to be converted into a new community hub space, as part of a regeneration project in Lincoln.

The container will be situated on the corner of Portland Street and Hermit Street in the Sincil Bank area of the city.

It is part of the place shaping framework commissioned by Lincoln City Council and will be placed on land currently used as a car park in an area that has been identified as a key gateway to Sincil Bank.

The hub itself will provide a unique meeting and teaching space and will provide an accessible studio space which will be used for a range of collaborative projects between Lincoln University and the community.

It will also double as an exhibition space to showcase student work as well as collaborative community projects.

A drop-in design forum will be available for residents to share and exchange their ideas for the Sincil Bank area, as well as test and develop new design projects as the revitalisation of the area begins.

Led by the University of Lincoln, the studio space will be used by academics and students from across different disciplines who will work on a range of community engagement projects during the regeneration. Design Studio sessions and presentations hosted by the University’s School of Architecture and the Built Environment, will also take place to give residents the opportunity to take part in community design meetings.

Trevor Elvin, senior lecturer at the School of Architecture and the Built Environment and project director for the Hub, said: ‘The hub will offer a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community while offering unique learning experiences for our students.

‘Our students will be able to get involved with projects right from the planning stages and see the real-world impact that their work can have on a community.’

And Paul Carrick, Neighbourhood Manager at City of Lincoln Council added: ‘This is an exciting time for the area.

‘This project is one of many that will assist in enhancing the physical appearance and connecting members of the local community.’

The regeneration plans also involve the creation of social ‘parklets’ and a green route for pedestrians and cyclists to reduce traffic flow through the area.

Work to instate the hub will begin in the summer and it is hoped that it will be open to the public in time for the start of the new academic year in September.