Members of City of Lincoln Council’s Executive are set to consider its ambitious Vision 2030 strategy, a forward-thinking plan that builds on the successes of Vision 2025 and Vision 2020.
Councillors will review the Vision 2030 content, which outlines the city’s strategic direction for the next five years, at the next Executive meeting on 24 February 2025. Following this, the Vision 2030 proposals will then be presented to a meeting of the authority’s Full Council on 4 March 2025.
Vision 2030 presents a blueprint for an inclusive and sustainable Lincoln; one where communities flourish, the city thrives, and economic and generational challenges are met with innovation and collaboration.
The council’s plan recognises the evolving landscape of local government and the potential impacts of national policy changes, devolution, and reforms. Therefore, while the strategy is designed for the next five years, its action plan prioritises the first 12 to 18 months, allowing for adaptability to legislative, economic, and policy shifts.
The plan builds on the council’s vision; ‘Together, let’s deliver Lincoln’s ambitious future’ and will be delivered through five key priorities:
- Let’s drive inclusive, sustainable, economic growth
- Let’s reduce all kinds of inequality
- Let’s deliver quality housing
- Let’s enhance our remarkable place
- Let’s address the challenge of climate change
Consultation, including group discussions, an online survey, engagement with residents, businesses, elected officials, and key stakeholders, has informed the development of Vision 2030 as well as a robust evidence base from the Lincoln City Profile and other sources of data.
Feedback from focus groups with Lincoln Tenants Panel and representatives from the city’s diverse communities has also played a vital role in shaping the vision and priorities.
The council remains committed to working with local and regional partners to achieve its objectives while continuing to deliver high-quality services for the people of Lincoln.
Vision 2025 saw several key milestones demonstrating the council’s commitment to delivering sustainable and inclusive economic growth, much needed quality housing, action to tackle climate change, protecting and celebrating the city’s heritage, public spaces and natural environment and supporting its residents and communities, providing services to those who need them most.
Vision 2030 builds on the progress of Vision 2025. The Charterholme Development, formerly known as the Western Growth Corridor, is Lincoln’s most ambitious development to date. Infrastructure projects such as a new signalised junction at Skellingthorpe Road and a bridge over Boultham Catchwater have already been completed.
Plans for this development will continue into Vision 2030 with construction of the first 52 sustainable homes now underway. Additionally, the eastern access route, supported by a £20 million Levelling Up Fund grant, is progressing, and a new bridge over the railway is set for completion by March 2026, unlocking future phases of housing and improving connectivity.
In May 2024, the Council agreed the Housing Revenue Account 30-year Business Plan with priorities to build affordable homes, enhance estates, reduce carbon impact, and improve the services provided to tenants. With this comes significant investment over the plan period and over the next five years, £72.958m will focus on housing investment - £63.520m to develop and improve core housing services and supporting the Lincoln Standard, regeneration in estates and neighbourhoods and to reduce carbon emissions and £9.438m for additional affordable housing.
One of the council’s most notable developments throughout Vision 2025 is Hermit Mews. This development delivered six three-bedroom homes and five two-bedroom homes, all of which are energy-efficient homes equipped with air source heat pumps, triple glazing, and EV charging points, contributing to the city’s sustainability goals.
In collaboration with its partners, the council has also helped tackle the issues of homelessness and rough sleeping in the city, as well as making improvements to the Sincil Bank area by investing in the Sincil Bank Revitalisation Programme. The council has supported neighbourhood projects through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and in partnership with Investors in Lincoln which address key local needs including youth employment, support for older residents and to address cost-of-living challenges. Over £2 million pounds of Household Support Fund payments have been made to residents who needed it, and the council has worked with partners to make sure that any households that are struggling have advice and support to mitigate the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis.
The Cornhill Market Regeneration, a £7.8 million project, launched in May 2024, revitalising the historic 1930s market into a vibrant, modern hub while preserving its unique character. This transformative project won the Regeneration and Restoration Project of the Year award at the annual East Midlands Property Dinner Awards 2024. The city now holds four Green Flag Awards, including Hope Wood which received this recognition on its very first submission and the city’s high-quality parks and open spaces are important green spaces for the community.
The success of Vision 2025 has provided the launch pad for Vision 2030, the third phase of the council’s long-term vision for Lincoln by 2030.
Vision 2030 is designed to be flexible, meet local changing needs and take into account the state of the local and national economy, funding pressures and changes in legislation.
Naomi Tweddle, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, said:
“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved with Vision 2025 and Vision 2020, but we have no intention of taking our foot off the pedal.
“Vision 2030 builds on these successes and lays out a clear roadmap to address Lincoln’s most pressing issues. It has been shaped in consultation with the public and our partners, ensuring it reflects the aspirations of our residents, businesses, and visitors.
“As Lincoln continues to experience rapid growth and social, economic, and technological change, it is essential that we have a strong vision, a sense of purpose, and clearly defined values to guide our decision-making.
“We remain committed to innovation, efficiency, and working collaboratively with partners across the city and beyond. I will be supporting the adoption of this new plan and will be encouraging my fellow members to do the same.”
Angela Andrews, Chief Executive at City of Lincoln Council, commented:
"Vision 2030 is a testament to our commitment to shaping a city that is inclusive, sustainable, and supports our community.
“By building on the successes of our previous strategies, we are ensuring that Lincoln remains a place where people and businesses can thrive.
“Adoption of this strategy will ensure we are able to continue delivering meaningful change that benefits all who live, work, and visit our city. Through ongoing collaboration and innovation with our partners, we can collectively achieve our overarching goal of delivering Lincoln’s ambitious future.”
City of Lincoln Council invites all residents and stakeholders to engage with Vision 2030, which aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving future for Lincoln.