DEVELOPERS behind proposals for Spalding’s Holland Market have assured shoppers that car parking will form an integral part of the plans.
Michael Moran, who represents the UK interests of Holland Market owners Corbo, said since details started to emerge about the plans he has been approached by a few people with concerns that changes could result in a loss of valuable parking for those using the shops on Holland Market as well as in the town centre.
But Mr Moran said: “I can definitely say that we recognise that Holland Market car park is an integral part of the town centre and we are committed that it remains freely available to the whole town.
“Any plans we have would not take that away.
“We have had four or five approaches from people who were worried about the car parking provision if we increase the retail and leisure units on there, but I can confirm we will increase car parking to accommodate.
“I am keen to allay these fears. We are a retail orientated developer so we know the importance of car parking for shoppers and we are not going to take that away.
“There would be nothing to stop us charging for parking but we don’t want to do that and we are committed to providing free parking for the people of Spalding.”
Mr Moran is hoping to be able to reveal further details of his plans, which include the current retail areas on both sides of Winfrey Avenue, as well as the bus station and Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field, within the next six weeks.
He has already confirmed he has had talks with South Holland district council leader Gary Porter and has an agreement in principle with Spalding United Football Club to move off the Sir Halley Stewart to a 300-seat stadium and community sports facility Corbo could provide on the edge of Spalding.
Possible development of the Sir Halley Stewart has already proved controversial as a number of people are opposed to building on a green space in the town centre, particularly one which was bequeathed to the people of Spalding.