Expression of Interest Form

About the opportunity for Spalding

  • The Plan for Neighbourhoods is a 10-year, government-backed investment programme to support the regeneration of towns and neighbourhoods through long-term, change led by local communities.
  • The programme’s three main aims are to: help create thriving places, build stronger communities, and allow local people to take back control over their area’s future.
  • 75 places have been chosen to be part of the programme and will receive up to £20 million over a 10-year period.
  • Spalding has been chosen as a neighbourhood that will receive Plan for Neighbourhoods Funding.
  • Now, Spalding Town Board is seeking expressions of interest for projects which could possibly be included in the plan that the Board is coming up with for Spalding, based on feedback from the community
  • This is the first stage of a process to choose projects. There’ll be more work before any projects are finalised and included in the plan.

How to apply

  • Please read the guidance notes before filling in the Expression of Interest Form. This gives you more information on the types of activity which can be funded and further details about the Plan for Neighbourhood Programme.
  • We also highly recommend reading the Assessment Framework which can be found at the end of this application. This shows how your application will be assessed.
  • The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 5pm on 28th October 2025. For further information or advice, please contact Spalding.TownBoard@sholland.gov.uk

Community needs

There are some key themes coming though the feedback:

  • Town experience – The ‘best thing’ about Spalding is its river / waterfront area. However, it is widely considered that the potential of this area is not being realised. There is some reminiscing about the past and the thriving town Spalding used to be, and a strong sense that the town needs to be ‘smartened up’, suggesting a clear desire amongst respondents for a better town experience. This is evidenced throughout the responses, and whilst clearly there are different views, ideas, and suggestions of what this could look like, connecting all the responses is a strong appetite for a better Spalding town experience.
  • Opportunity for improvements – there are many suggestions to improve Spalding. Coming through very strongly, however, is for improvements to the retail offering (more shops / wider range / better quality) to make a more inviting shopping experience, as well as improvements to the market. There is also a strong call for a cleaner, tidier and smarter Spalding (streets, buildings, public spaces). Offering free parking in the town centre, perhaps for a fixed time period (e.g. first one / two hours), is suggested as an approach that might bring more people into the town centre. Feedback suggests that priority places / areas for investment are the town centre generally, the riverside / waterfront area and the market (area). There is some call to look at Stamford for inspiration.
  • Safety and security – it is clear that respondents would like to be able to enjoy Spalding safely. Indeed, it is a ‘top priority’ for how the money is spent. There is considerable concern about anti-social behaviour, open and excessive use of alcohol and drug-taking, resulting in unease and a feeling of vulnerability in the town centre. There is a strong appetite for a more visible police presence and better law enforcement. Safety and security might be further bolstered by improvements to public spaces and streets (designing out crime). Installing CCTV is important for many. However, there is some mention of an existing CCTV system, but that it might not be working properly and / or properly monitored. There is also some interest in tackling anti-social behaviours through the provision of activities (e.g. sports programmes, mentoring), to relieve boredom and encourage healthier behaviours.
  • Heritage, arts, culture and tourism – there is a strong call to fix up and improve Spalding’s historic sites and buildings; and to provide support / funding for the Gentlemen’s Society Museum. There is also notable interest in supporting live music and theatre, shows, author talks and film screening. The Flower Parade is highlighted by many as an important event for the town, which is enjoyed by local residents and visitors.
  • Community facilities and resources – there is also a call to invest in community facilities and resources, such as libraries, village halls, community centres – once again, reinforcing the ‘smarter Spalding’ theme. There is some mention of the need to provide more attractions and things to do in the town generally. Also, facilities and resources specifically for young people (e.g. youth centre), to give them something to do and encourage healthy behaviours. There is some interest in providing support / funding for people to volunteer and make a difference in the local community. Indeed, there is notable mention of a strong community spirit in the town.
  • Making it easier to get around – there is a sense that it could be easier to get around Spalding. There is a strong call to carry out road maintenance (including repairing potholes). There are some comments about poor public transport services, notably infrequent buses and no trains on Sundays. There is some interest in improving the cycle path network. Pedestrianisation of the town centre is highlighted by some and / or the need to restrict vehicle access in the town centre, although noting that any restrictions need to be enforced.