The former food court at the controversial Red Lion Quarter is to be turned into a hair and beauty training salon.
The food court closed in October 2011, just six months after the grand opening of the £6.5m building, which was billed as a monument to South Holland’s food heritage.
It is now to enjoy a new lease of life after Boston College, which bought the troubled building for £2.4m last year, listened to feedback from residents, students, employers and businesses of Spalding about what they would like to see the hall used for.
A spokesman for the college said numerous suggestions for potential uses were received, but the one that received most consistent support, from potential learners and customers, was for a salon.
It is hoped the new facility will give students the chance to train locally in a fully-functioning salon under the direction of industry-qualified hair and beauty tutors.
Paul Collins, director of business development at Boston College, said: “We recognise the increasing role of the service sector in the economic recovery of the local area and hope the new plans will help to boost presence in the town.
“We are very pleased with how Boston College in Spalding is progressing and are positive about the future at Red Lion Quarter.
“We have already seen almost 1,000 students and look forward to welcoming many more.
“We have also enjoyed getting to know the business tenants that occupy our office space, where we now have just one retail unit and four office units left to let.”
An open evening for potential students will be held on Wednesday, February 6, or for more information call 01775 715880.