Spalding Civic Society Urges Action to Enhance Town’s Appearance

The town could get money to fix up old buildings. An interesting plan is needed for this to happen. The Spalding Civic Society wants to ask for funds from Historic England or the Lottery Heritage Fund. This money would maintain town center buildings.

A building’s facade fell in the Market Place, making a heritage action zone seem more urgent. These zones help towns grow and improve life through teamwork and grant money. John Bland says money is available, but an attractive funding proposal is needed.

Everyone agrees the town center needs care. Some buildings look good now, and some owners improve their properties. More work still needs doing, however. Funding would help owners improve buildings, benefiting both them and the town.

The action zone program helped 67 towns, including King’s Lynn. It provided money for buildings and events. Bland says the council can seek more funds through the Partnership Schemes program.

This program includes Historic England, the council, and others. It helps conservation areas long-term, and Spalding’s town center is such an area. It supports projects that rebuild heritage sites. For example, grants could aid building restoration.

The Lottery Heritage Fund could also provide funds. “Spalding Reconnected” used this fund already. A new grant could reach ten million pounds and develop a program like the High Streets Action Zone, potentially achieving more than “Spalding Reconnected.”

“Spalding Reconnected” celebrated the town’s past. Arts and nature projects were part of it. It received almost £250,000 in 2022.