Future of grandstand is on the right track
0 Comments | Lincolnshire Echo, Sep 2, 2010 | by Richard Wheeler
AS first impressions go, the grandstand in Carholme Road is not exactly Lincoln’s finest.
But the city’s residents have been rallying behind a search for ideas as fresh attempts are made to restore the grade two listed building back to its former glory.
As reported in the Echo, the search for new plans is being led by West End resident Emile van der Zee, who set up a website inviting suggestions.
Mr Van der Zee was heavily involved in the campaign fighting against the Lincoln Racecourse Regeneration Company’s attempts to bring horse racing back to the West Common.
And now he has seen a plethora of ideas submitted to www.lincolngrandstand.com.
Mr Van Der Zee said: “I think it’s great to see so many different ideas. The variety is really great and it’s nice to see people are still interested in contributing, even after the race course idea.”
The grandstand centre is currently used by community groups, including the Lincoln Association Of Muslims and the Cheeky Monkeys toddler group.
But extending the community use of the building, built in 1896, has prompted people to suggest a range of proposals, from a centre for fashion shows to a BMX area.
Other ideas include getting local businesses to use the grandstand as an inspirational meeting venue, a wedding venue, an observatory, woodsman courses, a restaurant and a place to celebrate Lincoln’s heritage.
City Of Lincoln Council deputy leader Marc Jones said the authority could be keen on a short-term idea to spruce up the building.
The Conservative councillor said a trust made up of community figures would then be able to consider its long-term future.
Mr Jones said: “Sometimes, it’s easy to get lost in trying to look at the grandstand and say ‘it’s such a big problem, we have not got the money to do it’.
“We could get rid of the temporary fence and have something much nicer to put around it. We could get a material like MDF with life- size cut-out people on it – something like a crowd scene. We could get businesses to pay for these boards and then we get local schools to paint them up
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