Community groups, charities, and organisations in Spalding are being invited to submit ideas for projects that could potentially benefit from multi-million pound government funding coming into the town.
Spalding Town Board, which is overseeing the £20M Plan for Neighbourhoods funding that has been announced for the town, is making an open call for projects to be considered for inclusion in plans that are being developed for the investment.
Expressions of interest are now being invited with applicants asked to provide a brief summary of the project they are putting forward for consideration.
Crucially, anyone applying is asked to not only show how the project fits with the aims of Plan for Neighbourhoods but also how it meets community needs, as revealed in previous public consultation.
Applicants can fill in an online form https://lovespalding.co.uk/call-for-projects/ pick up and return a printed copy from South Holland District Council offices, or email Spalding.TownBoard@sholland.gov.uk for a copy of the form to be emailed or posted directly. The Board will also be contacting community groups, organisations, and charities across the town to invite them to submit ideas.
All expressions of interest will be assessed by the Board against a clear set of criteria and work will subsequently take place to further develop projects selected through the process.
The open call is the first part of public engagement that is getting underway this autumn to meaningfully involve the community in shaping plans for the funding. This work builds on consultation that took place in summer 2024 when the programme was previously known as Long Term Plan for Towns.
Robin Hancox, Chair, Spalding Town Board said: “The community is at the very heart of how this funding is invested in Spalding, and the Board is committed to listening to and working with local people.
“Community groups, charities, and organisations operating in our town have a clear understanding and knowledge of what’s happening and what’s needed in Spalding, and that’s why we’re making this open call for projects.
“What’s important for us is that any ideas fit with what the community needs and wants. We’ve included guidance to support applicants, but there is also help available for anyone wishing to make an expression of interest who would like some further assistance.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for our town and I would urge any groups to get involved, submit their application, and help us to ensure this funding is invested to make a difference for Spalding.”
In addition to the call for projects, local people will also soon be able to share their thoughts on proposals for the town which are being developed, directly shaped by public feedback captured in previous consultation.
These proposals will include a vision for the town and an overarching masterplan setting out possible design ideas.
The consultation around these proposals will include different ways for people to share their thoughts, including in person and online, with more details about this to be announced in the coming weeks.
The call for projects is open until 28th October. To find out more and to submit an expression of interest please visit https://lovespalding.co.uk/call-for-projects/ or contact Spalding.TownBoard@sholland.gov.uk for further details or for any support with your application.
Cllr Nick Worth, Leader of South Holland District Council, said: “Feedback from the public about how and where this money is spent for the good of the town and the surrounding area is crucial to the success of this project.
“Residents expect to be involved in shaping the vision of the town and that’s what we are doing: making absolutely sure that everyone has the opportunity to have their say. So, please, take the time to understand fully the proposals that will be shared soon and have your say. That way, the future of Spalding is in everyone’s hands.”