Readers have their say on the use of former Coneys site in Spalding as community use plans are recommended for refusal

Readers have given a mixed reaction to news that plans to convert a vacant department store is set to be refused next week.

South Holland District Council has been recommended to refuse the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church’s application to change the use of the former Coneys store in Spalding’s Broad Street.

The church is hoping to use the old Hills store as a church, play area, cafe, food bank, youth club and meeting area .But planning officers have expressed concerns that the loss of prime retail space would affect the vitality and viability of Spalding town centre. The application had been deferred at a previous meeting.

Ahead of councillors making a decision on Wednesday, readers have given their views on the recommendation and application.

Alisha Mumby posted on our Facebook page: “Spalding does need a play space and cafe though, so although it doesn’t bring that retail that town desperately needs, it does bring a facility that would bring people to the town centre such as parents and babies to the play space and cafe, as long as it’s fit for purpose.”

Providing an attraction for teenagers is something that Spalding needs to provide says Claire Harrison.

She posted: “There is nothing for the teenagers or younger kids to meet up. Retail is dying in towns we need something different, but yet its ok to open up more fast foods shops but not this.”

Cheryl Gratton said: “So the council would rather a large building stand empty than let it be used for a community facility. It's never going be a large department store ever again. Might as well turn it into flats.”

Natasha Evans feels that Spalding is ‘already dead’.

She posted: “One shop isn't going to solve the issue that the town centre is full of non attractive shops. The only useful ones being Savers, Boots, Superdrug and the card shop. Maybe rethinking of usage would be more beneficial.”

Planners have been advised to visit The Storehouse in Skegness, which is a church and community hub.

Jo Louise stated: “It is a wonderful place that serves all sections of the community and attracts all demographic groups. I hope they've researched fully before refusing it.”

Lewis Lovett went onto say: “I think we have to remember it’s not only a church, but a soft play, cafe and a youth zone. But having it as a church would be a massive benefit to the area regardless. Let’s be realistic, no retailers want it and it will sit empty for years otherwise.”

Paul Wilson posted: “There does not appear to be a demand for retail outlets in the town centre. This is sad but reality. If the church has a vision for the building that is surely better than it remaining empty. Give them a chance.”

Sheron Beardwell feels that the town has to provide more than one-off events to bring people to Spalding.

She posted: “If you make the town appealing to people from a leisure point of view then retailers will want to return to the area. First Spalding needs to offer something different to get the footfall and not just one off events.”

Others feel that attracting more shops is the boost needed for Spalding.

Keith Mansfield posted: “I agree to revitalise Spalding town centre you need retail to be the magnet.”

Wendy Woolf said: “Definitely needs to be a retail shop. There are plenty of other community hubs - called village and church halls.”

Theresa Geeson has suggested that the site be used as an indoor market or taken on by several small independent traders.

Paul Sketcher posted; “We must do everything possible to get retail back in to Spalding including the ex Hills store.”

Patricia Wiley went onto say: “We so desperately need more shops in the town to have something for people to actually come into town for. The town is currently dead. Also put a stop to vehicles driving through the town making it safe for pedestrians.”

But Kevin Scott has put forward an alternative use for the site:

He stated: “A new Wetherspoons overlooking the river would be ideal.’

Roland Hare feels that the shop would make a good Tesco to ‘liven up the town’.

He said: “How about using some of that (£20million) Leveling Up fund to purchase the site. The ground floor could be developed into full time indoor market for niche market goods with a flea market in one corner, upstairs could be turned into a decent sized food bistro with artesian outlets and what used to be the sport shop area turned into ten pin bowling alley.”

Neil Oakman has suggested converting the store into smaller units.

Cameron Johnston posted: “Spalding is fast becoming a ghost town and this needs rectifying if we’re going to entice people back to the town!”

What do you think? Post a comment below…