The future Prime Minister’s appearance wasn’t one of his finest hours
Lincoln Liberal Club in St Swithin’s Square, which could become student housing(Image: Lincolnshire Live)
Proposals to turn a historic Lincoln building into student housing have been described as “too drastic” by a conservation group.
The Liberal Club on St Swithin’s Square, where Sir Winston Churchill once gave a speech from the balcony, has been vacant for several years.
Plans lodged in March say the club and the neighbouring building could be turned into 15 flats with space for 112 students.
A restaurant would also be created on the ground floor in an attempt to bring life back to the building, which was built in 1890.
Sir Winston Churchill reportedly stood on the balcony in the 1910 General Election to give a speech. However it is said the future Prime Minister was pelted with tomatoes by a raucous crowd and had to leave.
Despite promises that the façade facing St Swithin’s Square would be preserved, the Lincoln Civic Society has criticised the proposed changes.
“It will require a total destruction of the rear buildings and although it would be good to see the buildings back in action, we feel this is too drastic a proposal,” its objection on the council website says.
“The design of the proposed buildings adds nothing to the area as we feel they are bland and utilitarian and would have a detrimental effect on the area.”
The City of Lincoln Council’s housing department has also objected to more student flats, saying there are many already lying vacant.
“The city currently has a significant over-provision of student accommodation, with multiple purpose-built student accommodation blocks being substantially under-occupied and at least two completely unoccupied,” it has written.
It says there is “unprecedented demand” for other types of housing which this could target.
Gladstone House Limited, which submitted the plans, has been contacted for comment.
Planning documents say the proposal would “enhance the character and vitality of St Swithin’s Square”, and bring the buildings back into use.
The scheme is currently being considered by the City of Lincoln Council.
