Five-year regeneration project launched for Lincoln’s Ermine estate
Residents say the Ermine still has a strong community spirit - but many fear the area has been left behind after losing youth clubs, community spaces and local facilities over the years.
A major regeneration project aimed at improving life on Lincoln’s Ermine estate has been launched by the City of Lincoln Council.
The five-year programme will focus on housing improvements, support for young people and families, greener public spaces and community safety.
Residents say many of the facilities which once brought people together have disappeared over the years, particularly on Ermine West.
Reverend Rachel Heskins, from St John the Baptist Church on Ermine East, said she noticed “something quite special” about the area when she arrived in 2019.
“It was love at first sight,” she said.
“In the last few years, there’s been a sense of regeneration and optimism. The library has reopened and the community centre has been given back to the community.”
She said many families are under pressure and need places where they can access support and feel less isolated.
Long-time resident Mandy Kettleborough said there is now very little for young people to do on the estate.
“There used to be a youth club with boxing and other events they could chill at every day – it was brilliant,” she said.
“That’s all been flattened now – everything that brought the community together has gone.”
Council leader Naomi Tweddle, who grew up on the estate and still lives there, said the project is about listening to residents and delivering “practical improvements” over the next five years.
Residents will also help decide how a new £15,000 community fund is spent.