The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Springfields Shopping Outlet in Spalding has announced plans to expand claiming 15 more shops and four new eateries will lead to around 350 new jobs being created.
The new shops will be built on Camel Gate on the current site of the NFU Mutual offices which will be relocated.
The development being overseen by owners Triton Property Fund was outlined in the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan which was formally passed this week.
A spokesman for Springfields, said: “Springfields Outlet, the leading shopping and leisure destination in the East of England, has today announced proposals for a major new investment in the centre. With significant interest from major brands, owners the Triton Property Fund are launching a public consultation on plans which could
see around 15 new stores and cafes and restaurants being built.
“The proposed new development at Springfields Outlet includes 15 new stores for well-known brands; up to four new restaurants and cafes; 236 additional parking spaces, and the introduction of more electric vehicle chargers.
“Springfields Outlet has secured an agreement with NFU Mutual to relocate their offices to a new site next to Springfields.
“This will be the subject of a separate planning application. Additionally, the new building for NFU Mutual will help to retain jobs in Spalding and provide them with modern offices.
“Replacement car parking will be built further along Camel Gate.
“In addition, Springfields Outlet has had extensive discussions with Springfields Horticultural Society, the charity which owns and manages the Festival Gardens and the Events & Conference Centre, and welcomes the indicative support given by the Trustees of the Society for this exciting development plan.
“It is expected that around 350 new jobs would be created, adding to the 650 jobs already at Springfields. As part of these proposals, Springfields will work with the local authority and other stakeholders to identify ways to further encourage people to visit Spalding town centre.”
Consultation events on the proposals are being held next week. The sessions will take place at Unit 9, next to Chapelle Jewellery on North Avenue at Springfields on Friday March 22, between 3pm and 6pm and on Saturday March 23, between 10am and 4pm.
Information about the extension plans will also be available on a dedicated website (www.springfields-newstores.co.uk). In addition, an information leaflet will be distributed to households in the town.
Ian Sanderson of SLR Outlets, who operate Springfields said: “I’ve been involved with Springfields Outlet since the very beginning and 2018 was undoubtedly our most successful year, despite the challenging retail environment nationally.
“During last year new retailers including Joules, Jack Wills, White Stuff and The Cosmetics Company Store have all opened stores here.
“Also the new family attraction Adventure Land has welcomed thousands of people since it opened in the summer.
“South East Lincolnshire’s new Local Plan supports the proposed expansion of the retail offer at Springfields. In addition, we’ve had interest from a number of new high-quality brands, none of which have existing local stores.
“Springfields is small in comparison to other outlet centres in the country, but by extending we can further improve the overall offer at Springfields, helping to attract more visitors to the area and in turn creating more jobs for local people.
“However, before we submit a planning application to South Holland District Council, we would like to know what local people think of the proposals. So we would encourage people to attend the public consultation or view the proposals online and give us their views.”
