Developers of South Holland Retail Park say they are in talks with ‘household brand’ for new Spalding supermarket

The people behind plans for a new retail park say they are in talks with a ‘household brand’.

Marshall CDP and Rothstone Estates are remaining tightlipped over which supermarket will be taking the 21,582sqft ‘premium-branded’ supermarket at the proposed South Holland Retail Park, which is on the outskirts of Spalding.

The firms had launched a public consultation on the retail park - which is earmarked to be built on land opposite McDonald’s off the A151 - earlier today with a leaflet drop and website.

The leaflet does not name the supermarket but a page on the Rothstone website discussing the South Holland Retail Park includes a picture of an M&S Foodhall - prompting speculation that the much-loved brand could be returning to the area. Shoppers have been hoping M&S would return for a number of years after the Holland Market site closed in 2021.

But developers say they are ‘in detailed discussions with a leading British retailer, which is looking to bring its high-quality supermarket food offer to Spalding’.

Mark Rothery of Rothstone Estates said that a planning application for the retail park - which could create 190 jobs - will be submitted shortly.

He said: “This is a carefully considered proposal which would bring new food retail competition and choice to Spalding, alongside a significant number of new jobs.

“We are in detailed discussions with a household brand who have identified Spalding as an attractive location for their well-regarded retail offer. Costa Coffee has already committed to a new outlet on this site.

“This would be a high-quality, sustainable development which could deliver a range of lasting community benefits.

“A planning application will be submitted to South Holland District Council in the coming weeks, but before we do that we are consulting the local community on our proposals. We would encourage local people to give us their thoughts by responding to the leaflet or online.”

The land off the McDonald’s roundabout, which has undergone a major improvement as part of a £20million project for the A16, was sold last year for the more than a million pounds.

Proposals for the site include a 21,582 sq ft premium-branded foodstore and a third Costa Coffee outlet for the town.

As well as offering a wide selection of groceries and convenience food, the supermarket is also likely to incorporate integrated online retail services, allowing for online deliveries and ‘click and collect’ options.

The Costa Coffee store will feature both indoor and outdoor seating areas, along with its own dedicated parking and a drive-thru service lane, adding convenience and a welcoming space for the community.

A total of 165 car parking spaces, which includes an ultrafast electric vehicle (EV) charging hub, will be created in the foodstore car park and there are also plans for a landscaping strategy.

Details of the proposals can be found on the project website www.southholland-retailpark.co.uk

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