Anglian Water to create new community space beneath Westgate Tower in Lincoln
Anglian Water is set to create a new public space beneath Westgate Tower in Lincoln’s historic Bailgate quarter as part of major works to strengthen water supplies across Lincolnshire.
Last updated 12th Feb 2026
The project forms part of the company’s flagship Strategic Pipeline programme, designed to safeguard water resources for future generations in one of the driest parts of the UK.
Strategic pipeline works
New underground equipment will be installed beneath the historic tower by Anglian Water’s Strategic Pipeline Alliance (SPA), which includes partners Costain, Farrans, Jacobs and Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB).
The Strategic Pipeline will stretch hundreds of kilometres from North Lincolnshire to Essex, boosting water resilience across the region.
As part of the works, permission has been granted to open up the space beneath Westgate Water Tower for public use, creating a new community area once construction is complete.
Archaeological investigations
Before construction begins, archaeological excavations will take place — offering a rare opportunity to explore parts of Lincoln that have remained untouched for more than 1,000 years.
Landscape works are due to begin on 16 February under a road closure managed by Lincolnshire Highways.
Archaeological investigations are scheduled to start in summer 2026, with construction expected to begin in summer 2027.
Anglian Water has confirmed that local water supplies will continue as normal throughout the project.
Environmental measures
For safety reasons, a small number of trees will need to be removed. These will be replaced as part of a new planting scheme aimed at creating thriving habitats and boosting biodiversity in the area.
To allow safe access during construction, the wrought-iron railings and surrounding stonework at the front of the tower will be carefully removed and restored off-site. They will later be reinstated, alongside additional fencing on Chapel Lane.
‘Building for better’
Allen Haigh, senior project manager at SPA, said:
“These works are an important part of strengthening the resilience of Lincoln’s water network, while also creating a new space for the community to spend recreational time in.
We’re grateful for residents’ patience while we carry out this work, and we’ll continue to provide regular updates, including on any finds that we uncover during the archaeological dig.”
Anglian Water says its networks are undergoing their largest ever upgrade, with an £11 billion investment programme aimed at improving services for communities and the environment.
Further information about the Strategic Pipeline programme is available on Anglian Water’s website.