Issue - meetings

To approve the submission of a new ten-year Regeneration Plan and four-year investment profile for Spalding under the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme (formerly Plan for Neighbourhoods) (report of the Director of Economic Development enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Economic Development which sought the approval of Cabinet for the submission of a new ten-year Regeneration Plan and four-year investment profile for Spalding under the UK Governments’ Pride in Place programme (formerly Plan for Neighbourhoods).

The Leader reported that the first four years of the investment plan had been shaped by public consultation, with anti-social behaviour and PSPO enforcement identified as the main concerns. Work had commenced on these priorities, and significant investment was planned to improve safety in the town centre and shopping areas.

A second theme was the desire for more markets and events, recognised as mutually reinforcing to attract visitors and traders. Concerns about empty shops were noted; although vacancies were relatively low, members emphasised the need to support new retail and leisure businesses through affordable leases and reliefs.

Robin Hancox, the Chairman of the Town Board was in attendance at the meeting and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to speak and stated that it had been a privilege to chair the Board over the past 18 months. He noted the strong commitment shown by Board members during this period.

Mr Hancox acknowledged that progress had been somewhat interrupted by the change of government midway through the process; however, once clarity was achieved in October, the Board was able to move forward effectively. Significant support had been received from Council officers in developing the plan, which comprised approximately 90 pages and was based on extensive consultation.

Mr Hancox advised that the consultation process included engagement with residents of Spalding through market stalls, opportunities at South Holland District Council, social media, and online surveys. Many survey questions were derived from the Government’s Zencity initiative, which had provided a useful starting point for gathering feedback

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Mr Hancox expressed gratitude for the contributions of local residents and Board members and confirmed that a strong plan had been developed.  He advised that funding would be phased, with £650,000 expected next year and £2 million in subsequent years. He stressed the importance of managing expectations, noting that the funding would not resolve all issues immediately. He confirmed his willingness to remain involved with the Board and assured members that funds would be prioritised and spent wisely, with continued support from officers and Board members.

In closing, Mr Hancox thanked the meeting for the opportunity to provide background and reaffirmed his commitment to the process.

Members thanked the Town Board team and volunteers for their contributions, particularly on town centre development. The importance of the “Pride in Place” theme was highlighted, with recognition that the £20 million investment represented a unique opportunity requiring high standards and flexibility.

Safety and security remained a priority, with hotspot policing funded by Smarter Funding acknowledged. Members agreed to continue lobbying for improved policing resources. Support for markets and traders was reiterated, alongside ambitions to create a welcoming environment and enhance customer service to compete with online shopping.

Generational inclusivity was discussed, aiming for a clean,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57

To provide an update on work being undertaken with the Spalding Town Board to develop a new Regeneration Plan and submission for Spalding, in line with the published Government guidance and requirements (report of the Director of Economic Development enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Economic Development which provided an update on work being undertaken with the Spalding Town Board to develop a new Regeneration Plan and submission for Spalding, in line with the published Government guidance and requirements.

The Leader of the Council and the Director of Economic Development were in attendance for this item.

The Director of Economic Development provided a presentation and outlined the background to the programme, including the £20 million funding allocation over a ten-year period, of which, 75% was designated for capital projects and 25% for revenue.

Members were informed that the Council would act as the accountable body and that the Town Board, chaired independently, would steer the plan’s development.

The Director of Economic Development highlighted the ongoing consultation activities, including public events, stakeholder workshops and online surveys. Over 220 responses had been received to date, with further engagement planned until the end of October 2025.

Key themes emerging from the consultation included:

• Town Image and Identity;
• Retail and Market Offer;
• Safety and Security;
• Heritage, Culture and Events;
• Community Facilities; and
• Transport and Connectivity.

The Director of Economic Development confirmed that all feedback would be considered in the development of the four-year investment plan and the ten-year vision. A member briefing session had been scheduled for 3 November 2025 and the report would be considered at a Special Cabinet meeting scheduled for 24 November 2025.

Members considered the report and made the following comments:

• Members asked if rent or rate support could be offered to encourage new businesses to occupy vacant units.
  • The Director of Economic Development confirmed that options such as purchasing properties to control rent levels, offering grant funding, and incentivising new occupiers were being explored.

• Members enquired about the feasibility of using compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to acquire long-term vacant or derelict properties.
  • The Director of Economic Development acknowledged that CPOs were a potential tool, though complex and time-consuming, and that alternative approaches may be more practical.

• Members enquired about the potential for indoor market spaces or craft hubs to support local traders and artisans.
  • The Leader responded that cultural and community uses for vacant buildings were being considered, and that similar models had proven successful elsewhere.

• Members debated the benefits of markets to town centres which included a suggestion that Spalding market hours be extended into the afternoon to reflect changing demographics and shopping habits.
  • The Director of Economic Development explained that market trader contracts were under review and that a balance would need to be struck between footfall and trader viability.

• Members asked whether shop owners and absentee landlords had been consulted on the Plan for Neighbourhood Programme, and whether their views had been captured in the current consultation. Would the full analysis of the survey responses be provided?
  • The Director of Economic Development responded that:
    • Engagement had taken place via the Business Improvement District (BID), which sits on the Town Board, and that further outreach to property owners was planned; and
    • The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3