A pot of money has been put together to improve four areas of Spalding – in some cases years after the money was allocated.
South Holland District Council is looking to spend £282,935 on:
* Improving seating in Hall Place and removing trees.
* Replacing broken planters and looking at the public seating on Double Street and Bridge Street.
* Replacing broken street furniture and planters on New Road and Swan Street.
* Replacing planters and putting in additional seating on Red Lion Street.
The works were first discussed in 2019 as part of £500,000 to be shared for improvements to Spalding and Holbeach.
What’s left of that pot for Spalding amounts to £46,2015.
To top up that figure, the council is proposing to activate Section 106 funding already ear-marked to improve the town.
It includes a total of £89,000 Section 106 funding as part of the planning permission granted for Springfields shopping centre.
£32,000 of that was already allocated for the town, while the council is proposing to move £57,000 of money intended to be spent on a bandstand at Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens back in 2014.
There’s also £147,935 of Section 106 funding from the Holland Park development the council says became available in January.
Coun Nick Worth told the cabinet: “I think it will make a big difference and welcome that investment.”
Calls were made to work with Coun Rob Gibson’s group set up to look at traffic through the town centre and consult the public.
Coun Gary Porter said: “We’re all content this goes back to the town steering group and we ask to engage on their work so far with a wide audience just to check Joe Public is happy we’re spending their money on their priorities.
“Let’s not for one minute allow the illusion is a town centre where people shouldn’t feel safe and happy going in to spend money.
“I have the luxury of travelling around towns all over the country and I always sigh with relief when I return back to South Holland.
“Spalding is a really good town compared with others, the problems is they’re all changing beyond recognition.”
Coun Roger Gambba-Jones added: “The key to this is get on with it.
“Let’s not delay the work but make sure it’s done properly with input from the public.
“Tell them what are ideas are and if they don’t like it we’ll adjust it, but let’s go.
“There’s been a significant amount of work already done on this and detail already.
“There’s a finite amount of money there and that’s degrading day-by-day because of inflation and if we’re not careful it will not cover what we’re hoping to do.
“It’s a great thing we’re doing.”
The report to the cabinet states: “At the time of writing officers were awaiting a draft quotation for the proposed works, complete with proposed timescales and programme.
“In terms of timescales, it is proposed that if approval to the recommendations within this report is provided, officers will seek to progress the project towards mobilisation.
“Final timescales will, however, depend upon contractor availability, materials and phasing planning.
“Delivery is anticipated to take place within the 2023/24 financial year.
“It is anticipated that, when delivered, this project will bring about improved public realm, seating and planting which will enhance the physical environment in Spalding town centre for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors alike, making a positive contribution to the town and district as a whole.”
