This is how part of New Road could look if proposals to create two more pedestrianised areas in Spalding are adopted.
The other area of the town centre which would be made vehicle-free is Sheep Market.
Further recommendations include:
- an on-street bus station in New Road
- getting rid of the 16 parking spaces in Market Place
- removing the “unsightly” public conveniences in Sheep Market
- removal of on-street parking (except disabled bays) in Broad Street and The Crescent
The underlying theme is making the town centre more “people-friendly” so that they will want to spend more time there. Retailers will therefore benefit and invest more.
The recommendations come in a strategic review of Spalding’s markets and car parks commissioned by South Holland District Council and undertaken by Quarterbridge Project Management. It also took in provision in Holbeach, Long Sutton and Crowland.
The report says: “The town of Spalding has potential to become more successful and lively, but is currently held back by a less than welcoming environment, due in large part to the impact of traffic and parking.”
South Holland’s markets service runs at a significant loss – more than £44,000 in 2013/14, according to the report.
It says: “Spalding Market fails to promote a town-centre brand and stalls are somewhat tired in appearance.”
The recommendation to improve the balance sheet is that £20,000 is spent on six 3m x 3m pop up market stalls, plus new branded cover sheets for the existing market stalls.
“These two simple initiatives will significantly improve the appearance of the market and help raise its profile,” the report claims.
It adds: “Spalding Market is key to the success and popularity of the town centre and greater efforts should be made to rationalise costs and improve occupancy, which if undertaken should deliver trading surpluses within the next trading period.”
It is said markets in Long Sutton, Holbeach and Crowland “appear to lack any specific marketing and promotion” and would be better in the ownership and operation of parish councils or community interest groups.
- Do you agree with the proposals? What else should be done? Write to us at Spalding and South Holland Voice, Units 1 & 2, 14-16 Winsover Road, Spalding, PE11 1EJ or email [email protected]
