A DEVELOPER behind plans for Spalding has announced it is to pay a six-figure sum into a new economic marketing fund to boost the town centre.
Michael Moran, who looks after Holland Market owners Corbo’s interests in the UK, has pledged at least £100,000 which town leaders could spend how they like to fill empty shops and help independent businesses.
The pot would be administered by an independent group made up of local business leaders from Spalding and District Area Chamber of Commerce and South Holland District Council.
Mr Moran said: “The situation with empty shops in Spalding town centre is far better than in many other areas of the UK, but we want to take a proactive approach to our plans for Spalding and this money would be dedicated to addressing the handful of vacant units that do exist.
“It could be used to assist a new business find its feet by helping with the rent on shop premises or provide training for local businesses by working with a local college.
“We want to see the cash used to get every shop filled before our Holland Market scheme is complete.
“Our scheme will bring great benefits and enhance the town but if we can do this in addition we can be ahead of the game.
“This is about providing a significant sum of real cash to give a really positive boost to Spalding.”
Mr Moran will make the announcement about the fund to the chamber of commerce tonight. He will also talk to members about the plans for Holland Market.
As well as enhancing the retail offering of the Winfrey Avenue site, Mr Moran has vowed to include a large open green space for the use of the people of Spalding to replace the Sir Halley Stewart Field, which is currently used by Spalding United Football Club.
The plan has already proved controversial among those opposed to the loss of the Sir Halley Stewart Field, which was purchased with cash gifted to the town in the 1950s.
As well as green space within the town centre, Corbo’s plans include a 300-seater stadium and a community sports facility on the edge of town, possibly on a site next to the new roundabout on the A16 already acquired by the football club.