The Waterside Centre Revamp
LK2 Group, a proud partner in the revitalisation of Lincoln’s iconic Waterside Centre, is excited to share progress on the extensive refurbishment project that is breathing new life into the city centre retail, dining and leisure destination.
The development is being carried out in a series of carefully planned phases, with several milestones already completed. The upgrades are enhancing both the visual appeal and the visitor experience of the centre. The ambitious transformation is being completed following the joint venture acquisition by Wykeland Group and Lincolnshire Co-op in June 2023.
LK2 Group led on architectural design and delivery, breathing new life into the prominent city-centre destination. The project focused on enhancing the customer experience, revitalising key spaces, and securing the centre’s long-term future.
As part of the transformation, a brand-new independent coffee shop, operated by local speciality roasters Seven Districts Coffee, has opened in the central mall, adding to the growing food and beverage offering. The building’s historic High Street frontage has been restored, including a carefully designed timber shopfront, improving architectural identity and creating stronger connections to both the High Street and the adjacent canal.
Pedestrian flow along the canal has been significantly improved, enhancing accessibility and the overall visitor journey, whilst the retail mix has also been strengthened with the arrival of new premium brand Rituals, who have made The Waterside Centre their Lincoln home.
Since the start of the revitalisation, The Waterside Centre has seen a 3% increase in footfall in 2024 compared to pre-acquisition figures from 2022, demonstrating the success of the investment and regeneration strategy.
Various shopfronts throughout the shopping centre have been upgraded with a modern design and unified through refreshed centre branding, creating a more vibrant and cohesive shopping experience.
“We’re incredibly proud to have worked on this flagship project right here in our home city,” said Adam Skidmore, Director at LK2 Group, “The Waterside refurbishment is more than just a facelift – it’s a carefully considered investment in the future of Lincoln. We’re incredibly proud to contribute to a project that not only elevates the retail experience but also enhances the urban landscape and celebrates the rich heritage that makes Lincoln so special.”
This latest refurbishment marks a special milestone for LK2. Members of the team were originally involved in the design and delivery between 1989 and 1991 (previously named Waterside Shopping Centre), as well as leading subsequent modernisation projects for former owners Capital & Regional and Tesco Pension Fund. We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with the centre and to be part of the next exciting evolution in its story.
