It may have been a long time coming and fraught with more than one issue along the way, but Spalding finally has a new town centre manager in post.
Dennis Hannant took up the role last week and immediately set about increasing the profile of the town centre by fixing dates for a series of events during 2015.
Yet he was keen to stress that it will take more than his endeavours to improve the business and community fortunes of Spalding.
Mr Hannant said: “The message here is that we all need to continue to work together, if we are to make Spalding a success.”
He added: “I have been busy putting together the draft of the town centre business plan, which will basically drive what I do; this includes events such as a Festival of Food and Drink and projects aimed at improving and increasing the profile of the town centre.”
New events in the town programme will sit alongside existing attractions and all will be held on the same weekend/week each year to aid planning purposes and so that the public will associate a particular weekend/week with an event.
Spalding business owner Matt Clark is chairman of the new Town Centre Management Board, which has members from organisations which the town centre manager role will support.
Mr Clark said: “I am looking forward to supporting Dennis in his endeavours to support and grow business, and improve and promote the town.
“Whilst he has been in role just a few days, the sparks and ideas he is already suggesting are a huge step forward and certainly will be a great catalyst in lifting the town to a place that we are all proud of, and want to do business in.”
Early-years funding for the role comes from a S106 cashpot provided by the developer of Springfields Outlet Shopping when planning permission was granted.
Confirmed 2015 events:
May 2/3 – Tulip Mania and Classic Car Show
June 23 – Spalding Armed Forces Day
July 13-19 – Spalding Scarecrow Festival
August 29-September 6 – Spalding’s Festival of Food and Drink
October 2 – Spalding Pumpkin Festival
November 14 – Spalding Christmas Lights Switch On (including Tulip Queen and Schools Choir Competition)
November 29 – Spalding Christmas Market.
