The development of Lincoln’s culturally-significant Greyfriars building has begun, with a view to removing it from the National ‘At Risk’ Register by creating a space for weddings, conferences, and education.
Greyfriars is set to welcome visitors again in late 2025 thanks to a successful bid for £3m in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and partner organisations.
ASBC Heritage & Conservation Specialists are dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the nation’s historic structures, making them a perfect fit for such a restoration project.
Dating back to 1230, Greyfriars is believed to be the oldest-surviving Franciscan friary building in the country, having served the community in various roles over the centuries including as a Free School, a Jersey knitting and spinning school, a house of correction, a mechanics institute and the county museum.
Heritage Lincolnshire will work with community partners to create a multi-use space for events, conferences, weddings, learning and other creative uses in this historic part of the city. The project will deliver an exciting programme of activities and events to celebrate the history of Greyfriars and provide learning opportunities for a broad audience.
Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said: “I am very pleased that the necessary funds from the National Lottery Heritage Fund have been secured to bring the Greyfriars building back into use, and that the construction phase has begun. The building is so steeped in history and culture, and it will become an even more unique and treasured asset to the city once made more accessible for visitors.”
Tracy Stringfellow, Chief Executive at Heritage Lincolnshire added: “I am incredibly excited to start the next stage of this project at the iconic Greyfriars. A tremendous amount of work has been going on behind the scenes, with City of Lincoln colleagues we have been working closely with the Heritage Fund to bring about appointment of our construction partner, Alan Staley Building Contractors Ltd. We can’t wait to see work progress and for Greyfriars to begin serving the community once again.”
