Exciting plans for the development of Spalding’s Holland Market could be laid out for public consultation before Christmas.
News on the grand plans, which could include a town square, new supermarket and improved bus station, has gone quiet in recent months, leading some to speculate the dream has come a cropper because of the current economic climate.
But Michael Moran, the driving force behind the project on behalf of Holland Market owners Corbo, says nothing could be further from the truth as work continues behind the scenes to ensure the final proposals placed before South Holland District Council planners offer the best possible benefit to the district and its residents.
He said: “Redevelopment of Holland Market is still a viable option. Spalding is a vibrant town that has a need for this type of development and I am confident the people we are talking to recognise that this is a unique opportunity to invest in the town in the right way.
“We are putting a lot of time and effort into getting it right to bring the greatest benefit to the area, but we are still hopeful that in four to six weeks we will be able to go to public consultation and give people the chance to have their say before we apply for planning permission.”
• South Holland District Council leader Gary Porter said he was not aware of any progress on the Holland Market plans.
He said: “It’s still quiet as far as I’m concerned.
“I still haven’t seen a drawing or so much as a sketch of what Corbo has planned for Holland Market.”
The idea of developing Holland Market has drawn fierce criticism from some quarters, even ahead of any detailed plans being released, as it is likely to include new development on the Sir Halley Stewart playing field.