The future of a Spalding eyesore could be secure with the creation of a town board with a £20m budget.
The old Johnson Hospital has been derelict since it closed its doors in 2009 and was sold-off to a private company.
There has been an endless round of calls for steps to be taken to redevelop the site.
But the creation of a Town Board with a £20m budget over ten years could see it bought for the town and have a new future.
Spalding was announced as a recipient of the government’s long term plan for towns in October.
The public are being invited to share their thoughts as part of a consultation started this week.
South Holland District Council leader Nick Worth said the coming year would see several major projects for the area, including the old hospital.
“Investment and focus on the old Johnson Hospital will be a priority.
“We haven’t been in a position to complete a compulsory purchase order before. But with the Town Board having a £20m budget over ten years, it could be done,” he said.
“We could buy the old Johnson, it has been a grot spot for years. It may well take a year to sort out a compulsory purchase order.”
Coun Worth, a board member, said he hoped it would be one of its priorities.
The Town Board is currently asking people to share their ideas around the themes of safety and security, high streets, heritage and regeneration, and transport and connectivity.
Views are also being sought on topics including improving the waterfront, and events and activities for the town centre.
Residents should receive a survey in the post, which is free to return. There is also an online version which can be found on www.surveymonkey.com/r/spaldingambition
Events and updates can also be found on the Love Spalding Facebook page and the consultation is open until Monday, June 10.
Coun Worth said the coming year would also be pivotal for the Castle Sports Complex in Spalding which is due to undergo a multi-million pound facelift.
Another £20m award by the government’s Levelling-up fund has been earmarked to transform the complex as part of a £26m scheme.
But Coun Worth said one of the challenges of the coming year would be bringing the project in within budget as construction costs continue to rise at a rapid rate.
The plans, formally submitted on Friday, include a new swimming facility with a six-lane 25m pool, larger teaching pool and outdoor splash pad for families and young children.
Inside the centre would have a sports hall, gym, play zone, fitness studio and a cafe, among other things.
Work on the new South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub should start later this year with an opening in the summer of 2026.
The final phase of the project will include plans to help create an extra care housing scheme alongside the main hub building. The homes will be specialist accommodation to help people live independently for as long as possible.
