Open days for bidders are being lined up as South Holland District Council sets out to attract new tenants to the building and create a new centre celebrating the district’s food heritage.
A team with representatives from SHDC, Spalding Chamber of Commerce and Lincolnshire County Council has met to discuss the way forward for the former brownfield site.
The key objectives of the group are to help foster educational opportunities, encourage business growth and attract new public sector investment to South Holland.
Demonstrations and interactive information on food nutrition, production and processing will be a focal point for the venture and there will be an emphasis on providing training and improving skills levels in the food industry.
This will showcase the work of organisations promoting local foods in a district which has a pivotal role in feeding the nation, with 20 per cent of the nation’s food having been either transported through, or grown and produced or processed in, South Holland. Any surplus generated by a ‘not for profit’ private company that will manage the Red Lion Quarter would be re-invested into the project.
The building has already attracted new tenants and a number of prospective new clients have been lined up. RLQ Procurement Steering Group Chairman Councillor Nick Worth said: “This heralds a fresh start for the RLQ where we can be confident in delivering a vibrant centre for business and a first class facility showcasing South Holland as the ‘Larder of England’.
“Launching and operating a new business venture is always a challenge and the present economic climate has not made things easy but with the right decisions, expertise and vision, the RLQ can become a thriving and prosperous centre at the heart of an industrious and forward-thinking district.”
The food court at the centre remains temporarily shut but is likely to reopen in the spring while at present the building is managed by Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Services (NWES).
