High Streets Task Force expert offers verdict on Spalding town centre

A retail expert says Spalding actually has a lot going for it – and that we all have a part to play in the town’s future success.

Graham Soult, of the Government-established High Streets Task Force, says the town has a lot to offer with its charm and independent shops but feels the best way to improve Spalding is to start celebrating its good points.

Greater marketing of Spalding and its facilities – including positive messages on social media – along with using Springfields as a ‘hook’ to draw people to the town centre and an improved train service are among the ideas raised to boost visitor numbers.

The town suffered a blow when Coneys Department Store closed last week due to rising costs and falling sales – with the debate turning onto what’s next for Spalding.

And Mr Soult, who has family connections in the area, says everyone in the area can do their bit for the town by spending money in local shops.

He said: “I have been to 600-700 towns around the country in the last decade and, seeing a lot of places, believe me that Spalding has a lot more going for it than many places.

“It is not just its inherent charm but it still got a pretty good offer in terms of shops, cafes and so on.

“It has lots of fantastic independent shops.

“I think the future of any town is what you make it and I know it is very tempting to get into things and moan on Facebook.

“No town has been improved by people saying how rubbish it is.

“If you put out messages saying that this is a town that has a lot of good things happening then it is more likely that people are going to look at Spalding and think it is got a lot of independents and want to be part of that.”

The High Streets Task Force is helping councils across the country to redefine town centres to meet the challenges of the future such as the rise of internet shopping.

Mr Soult said: “I think you have to focus on the good stuff that you already have and use that for inspiration to make it even better. It is so easy to get into a spiral of negativity when actually its been quite healthy. If people are feeling more pride in where they live and share that.

“Every person who lives in Spalding has a role to play. Every £1 spent in independent businesses make it more likely that businesses succeed and encourage others to join it.

“When you arrive in Spalding it has a lot of charm, character and lovely buildings. I remember the first time I went to Ayscoughfee Hall and gardens and thought ‘wow’. The river is also lovely.”

He said that looking at the town’s ‘distinctive qualities and tourist appeal’, it provides a basis to help put together a plan to succeed.

“Shops like Bookmark are a real gem. Those are the kind of businesses that you should be championing and supporting” he said.

The loss of Coneys, which was formerly Hills, has been seen as a big loss for the town but Mr Soult says there are still opportunities in the town.

He said: “It was an iconic retail business in Spalding and I remember going in there. It is worth giving Coneys some credit for giving it a go and keeping people in jobs three years longer than they would have been.

“It is disappointing it has gone but I would like to think that maybe there is some scope for another department store operator to come in. Independent ones tend to do better than big chains.

“But I would like to put it into context, it is really sad that Coneys has closed but if you look at the overall pattern it is really good as businesses are coming in. You have the Original Factory Shop in the Beales site which was empty. And there are independents which are opening like The Green Bowl and Becca’s Ices. That should encourage people as you have enterprises wanting to invest in the town centre.”

Mr Soult also says that attracting Primark to a town of Spalding’s size is a nice idea but not realistic.

Mr Soult says the level of empty shops in the town centre is low and stated that a groups like a Business Improvement District – which traders are looking at – are also good to promote the town.

He said that signage along with a marketing campaign are also important.

He said: “Through social media channels, if they were to pull together and put out messages of the town as a whole and that is really powerful. if you could pull together a visit to the town such as where you can pick up bits and pieces or have lunch and an ice-cream. Showing how people can use the town is important.

“If you put out relentless positive messages about the good stuff you have got it stands out.”

Many people cited Springfields Outlet Shopping and Leisure as one of the reasons why the Spalding is suffering but Mr Soult says out of town developments are a challenge.

He said: “Spalding town centre can offer something different to Springfields. It doesn’t have the independents or the history, heritage and character.

“You have to understand what the town centre can offer that is different and focus on that rather than getting too hung up on competing.

“Springfields could be the hook to get people into the town centre.”

Mr Soult recommends creating more housing in the town centre by turning upper floors into flats to create more life in the town centre.

He also said: “Markets are very much something that places should be supporting and encouraged. It is part of our heritage and something that brings people to a town centre.”

Mr Soult has experienced the problems with Spalding’s trains and was forced to spend a Sunday in Peterborough because there wasn’t a service.

He said: “It stands to reason that if you improve the train service it would generate more visitors and more spend. It is definitely something I would encourage all the powers that be in Spalding to badger about as it is something that will make a big difference.”

Since Coneys has closed, a debate has raged online with readers putting forward suggestions of what should come into town.

Gethin Evans posted on our Facebook page: “Think outside the box , pedestrianise it. Doesn’t have be all shops. Lots of outdoor seating, bistros restaurant etc . Buskers, music playing . The market place is a natural amphitheatre. Lower rents to entice artisan and independents.”

Ben Thorpe suggested: “Start with a children's indoor play area. That will bring footfall back to the town during the day, through the week and will improve market trade intake and entice more and better stalls. This in turn should improve appeal to brands for stores.

“Get music playing in through from South Holland Centre to Boots. Outdoor seating. Entice buskers and street performers etc. Turn Coneys into an indoor flea market or camden-esque indoor market. Be what Springfield's isn't. Unique.”

Kel White also posted on our Facebook page: “Something for kids of all ages would be good.”