Agenda and minutes

Councillor Andrew Woolf was elected as Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

Where a Councillor has a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest the Councillor must declare the interest to the meeting and leave the room without participating in any discussion or making a statement on the item, except where a councillor is permitted to remain as a result of a grant of dispensation.

There were none

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.

There were none.

AGREED:

Under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public were excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

To consider the award of contract under an agency agreement for the operation and lifecycle maintenance of the Council’s leisure facilities.

Members will be provided with a presentation at the meeting. The Head of Special Projects (Leisure), the Assistant Director – Leisure and Local Services, and the Leisure Services and Contracts Manager will be in attendance to answer member questions.

Consideration was given to a presentation in respect of the S&ELCP Sub-regional Leisure Operating Agent Procurement.

AGREED:

Following consideration of contracting of Leisure Facilities with an external operator as agent for service delivery, that the comments of the Panel be noted.