Lincoln Business Improvement Group in association with The Strait Traders Association have received planning permission to put up an archway depicting a number of iconic Lincoln symbols, and announcing the entrance to The Strait.
The archway will include images such as James Usher’s Imp, the ordnance survey ‘M’ for the Castle, the Collection Museum and Magna Carta.
In addition, a hare, goose, amphora and fish reference ancient markets and religious markings for the city’s Cathedral and Jews House.
Initially, the structure is proposed to be painted black with gold lettering. It will be fixed to two grade II listed buildings, Dernstall House and Kind Bar.
The arch will be manufactured by Seaford-based blacksmith Anwick Forge and will be 2.7m high and 2.9m wide.
Local businesses hope the feature will “reinforce The Strait’s identity as a unique space and help guide visitors by marking linkages between the High Street and the Cathedral”.
The design was chosen by local traders and the gateway layout was subject to a competition open to artists and designers.
Artist Lea Goldberg’s design was chosen and submitted in November 2013, with the details worked on by architectural design expert Franklin Ellis.
Initial designs were approved conditionally. In at least the next three years, plan drawings, details for the wall fixings and dimensions of the iron work will have to be submitted and agreed.