Transported's art project aims to make better use of Spalding riverside

A new art project to make the most of Spalding’s underused riverside is due to be getting underway later this year.

Transported has been working with South Holland District Council on plans to create a series of artworks along The River Welland to boost tourism.

A Heritage Lottery application has been submitted to commission artists and creative consultants to produce the artworks - which are due to be installed in the summer.

Hope for a water festival had previously been floated to help boost use of the pretty river bank by George Scott - who has shelved plans due to a lack of support.

Transported programme director Nick Jones said: “The artworks will go along the river bank to create and enhance the river and really to give an identity and add interest.

“The river is a major asset to the town.

“The Environment Agency is also looking to enhance the river.

“There are challenges to the high street with the closure of shops. There has to be a new vision of what the high street can offer to people that live and visit the town.

“We need to find ways to raise people’s awareness of the town’s assets and encourage them to come.”

Spalding councillor Gary Taylor said: “The plan is to boost tourism and put Spalding on the map for something positive and for art to showcase what can be offered locally.

“The riverside is a piece of Spalding which is very unusual and unique.”

Mr Scott had put forward an idea to run a water festival in the town.

He said: “I had no support for the plans and I was really disappointed.

“I would like to see plans revived and do something for the town.”

Transported, which received £811,000 from the Arts Council in December 2021 to fund its work in Boston and South Holland, has also been working with Spalding Town Steering Group on an art project for the tulip parade.

He said: “We are in discussions with an artist.”