There are fears that proposals for an out of town retail park alongside the A16 will cause more problems at an already dangerous junction.
The developers behind the project say the ‘premium branded foodstore’ and a Costa Coffee on the site, will create 190 jobs.
It claims to already have in place three leases ranging from 15 to 30 years for the site, but is not yet naming the potential foodstore occupier.
The food store is definitely not Marks and Spencer, which had been mooted as returning to the town.
“The developers are in detailed discussions with a leading British retailer, which is looking to bring its high-quality supermarket food offer to Spalding. As well as offering a wide selection of groceries and convenience food to meet the everyday needs of local residents. The supermarket is also likely to incorporate integrated online retail services, allowing online deliveries and ‘click and collect’ options,” says a statement on behalf of Marshall CDP and Rothstone Estates, of Wetherby.
“This would be a high quality sustainable development which could deliver a range of lasting community benefits. A planning application will be submitted to South Holland District Council in the coming weeks, but before we do that, we are consulting the local community on our proposals. We would encourage local people to give us their thoughts by responding,” said Mark Rothery, of developers Rothstone Estates.
The company used a photo of its previous work with M&S at Ripon on leaflets delivered to local addresses, prompting speculation that the foodhall was returning to Spalding.
“As part of our store rotation programme, we are always looking at potential new sites, including in Spalding, however, we have no plans for this site,” said a spokesman for Marks and Spencer.
The proposed access has been shown via the A151 Holbeach Road, where there have been several near misses reported with customers leaving the nearby McDonald’s restaurant onto the busy road.
A local resident said while a top-quality store wouldn’t be unwelcome, a safe way of entering and leaving the site had to be designed and adding something for the community would be welcomed.
“It’s already dangerous and this will just add to the amount of traffic. We also need safe pedestrian access to the foodstore. Crossing the A16 on foot is very risky.”
The Yorkshire company was behind the development of a site in Ripon which had included a Marks and Spencer foodstore.
