News
Sample of Press Releases
Spalding Celebrates Grand Opening of New Centre
The much anticipated Red Lion Quarter opened yesterday with a fantastic air of achievement and a combination of much hard work on behalf of all the partners involved. John Hayes, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Life Long Learning and local MP, ofiicially opened the building and congratulated the professional and hardworking teams who have pulled resourses, knowledge and understanding to create a multi-use, environmentally friendly, under budget and on-time building that has not cost the taxpayer a penny.
Chief Executive Officer of SHDC, Terry Huggins, welcomed guests who were invited to share the occasion with the staff and all those who have contributed to making the Red Lion Quarter a sucessful development." The Red Lion Quarter is a great addition to the town, a central resourse that celebrates Lincolnshire's food heritage whilst working with business suppliers and the community to develop fantastic partnerships that can help promote our Counties many advantages and boost our economy"
Local Celebrity and trader Carl Serigison of 'Sergi's' is a fine example. With his delicious food available to buy in the Red Lion
Quarter Food Hall, and his skills being exhibited in the lively demonstration kitchen, not only can you experience the talented chef at work but you can enjoy his take on the freshly prepared food, all available in the centres food hall .
Guests were treated to a tour of the building, taking in the sympathetic design that had not infringed on the historic street views of the Market Place, Broad Street or Red Lion street. They were also treated to the launch of Spaldings first ever College 'South Lincolnshire College' with tours of the excellent state of the art facilities that Boston College has provided, full details of the courses available can be found at www.boston.ac.uk. The course provision will adapt to meet the demands of the local inhabitants, so please contact Student Information Officers on 01205 313218 and let them know what courses you would like to see the College providing. Sue Daley Commented "I am completely thrilled. After years and years South Holland has finally got its own purpose-built College. Spalding has got a lot to be proud of and I am proud to be a part of this Fantastic project"
What a transformation
Have you taken a casual stroll down Red Lion Street lately? No, well you should. Say goodbye to the ugly, old, derelict buildings, the litter strewn wasteland and the depressing sensation of slow decline that the area used to portray. Welcome to a brand new food heritage centre, the ‘Red Lion Quarter’, revitalising the area, breathing life and vitality into Spalding’s central commercial district.
Planning for the development took place at the beginning of the economic downturn. Too ambitious it was said and many others thought it was a pipedream! Against all odds, here the completed development stands, a proud monument to the successful partnership between South Holland District Council, Lincolnshire County Council, East Midlands Development Agency, Lincolnshire Enterprise and, of course, Boston College.
Opening its doors on the 5th of April, the multi-use building stands polished with the finishing touches and the commissioning of the building concluded in early February, importantly on time and on budget. Even the street has been completely refurbished generating an uplifting impression, but the experience doesn’t finish there...
Do not be fooled by the Red Lion Quarter’s external appearance, it has the wow factor. The airy atrium just breaths space, with natural light cascading from above. A welcoming reception is ensured by the friendly centre’s staff.
Investigate the large ‘Food Court’, a hive of activity, with shoppers browsing and enjoying the delights of specially selected, high quality Lincolnshire and regional food products, whilst also being tempted by the purpose-built, open plan, specialist retail shops.
The ‘Sage’ restaurant offers clients a multi-layered experience. During the day, sample professionally made, specialist coffees, tea and a selection of lovingly made light bites. Sit down and relax in the cosmopolitan atmosphere and take lunch, all freshly prepared using the best locally sourced ingredients which are served by friendly College staff and students. Yes, that’s right College staff and their catering Apprentices; ‘Sage’ is a new concept training restaurant supporting tomorrow’s chefs today right before your own eyes. So you will not be the only one benefitting: you receive excellent and realistically priced refreshments whilst the apprentices gain practical commercial work experience, helping them prepare for the real world.
In the evening ‘Sage’ transforms itself, so book early to avoid missing the quality ‘fine dining’ experience that Boston College is renowned for. You may even catch a glimpse of Jason Atherton, a Michelin star chef and former Boston College catering student, who pops in, supporting our industry trained staff and students, demonstrating his internationally recognised culinary skills. And that’s only the ground floor!
The second floor offers employers and residents a state-of-the-art training facility on their door step, providing a range of commercial, vocational, occupational short courses with a varied selection of full time courses available later in September, all supported by Boston College.
The spacious, fully-equipped conference and meeting room facilities can also be found on the second floor, with specifically designed, open plan break out areas to suit clients relaxation needs. These are available to rent from as little as £100 per half day session.
Local companies and flourishing businesses can not only take advantage of the superb central location, but also of the modern fully managed office facilities, some complete with outdoor terraces and private meeting rooms. All twelve occupy the top floor of this plush building and provide grand views across Spalding.
In addition to all these exciting facilities, the construction of the Red Lion Centre has provided several local companies with employment, residents with jobs and developmental spending reaching an amazing £2.1 million in and around a 20 mile radius of Spalding... and all this during a recession.
We hope you have taken all that in, there are so many benefits and so much to enjoy, for all ages and all personalities, Red Lion Quarter has brought Spalding something for everyone. We hope you will be visiting us soon and supporting a new local business.
Sample of Press Releases
Vision becomes Reality
The ice and snow of recent weeks have not significantly delayed the progress of the one of Lincolnshire’s biggest development projects. The vibrant ‘Red Lion Quarter’ development in Spalding has in fact been gathering pace recently. This exciting multi use building is nearing completion (late January/early February) and will shortly be available for Spalding residents to make use of.
Externally the building has virtually been completed; local people would have noticed the fitting of all the centres generous windows and doors and the commencement of the external hard and soft landscaping.
Internally, it is only now that the true scale of this thrilling development can be appreciated, with the building maturing and benefitting from a surprisingly vast light and airy atmosphere. The last few weeks have seen these internal areas systematically developing with the internal joinery, doors, screens and glazing, ceilings and flooring areas completed. Painting and decorating is practically finished and the installation of reception areas and platforms virtually concluded. ‘Sage’ the new 80 cover ‘training’ restaurant is currently having its ‘state of the art’ catering equipment installed and will shortly be offering the ‘Foodie’ amongst us a real gastronomic experience.
Boston Colleges will shortly be releasing details of the courses and subjects that they will be offering, providing the district with some stimulating full and part time opportunities across a range of vocational and academic areas. The provision will also embrace topical professional and occupational areas such as apprenticeships and a wealth of business focussed commercial courses to benefit local people and employers.
The retail area, business units and ‘Food court’ offering has already attracted numerous companies’ attention; full particulars will shortly be published. The management and marketing team are busy assembling a full package of information material, detailing the opportunities that this development presents to local companies and the districts inhabitants.
Several local companies have already enjoyed the economic benefits that this project has enabled, with £1.6 million worth of orders already been placed with local businesses within 20 miles of the construction site. Providing local people with yet another reason for them to celebrate this innovative project and embrace the opportunities that this development will make available to them.
Sample of Press Releases
Red Lion Quarter Receives a Boost with Ministerial Visit
The Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, John Hayes MP visited the new £6.5 million development in Spalding on Monday 6th September, as part of his official duties. The Red Lion Quarter project will benefit the district by providing a variety of facilities including; further and higher education and training services which will accommodate teenagers and adult learners, a managed/nurtured office space for local businesses and a specialist food court showcasing locally produced food and drink for residents and visitors to enjoy. It will also boast an exciting new restaurant run by learners, giving them industry, commercial and practical experience. This endeavour is supported by Lincolnshire born, Michelin star celebrity chef Jason Atherton.
During the Minister’s visit to this exciting project, he was conducted on a full tour of the development site and was introduced to all the partner organisations and companies involved, including members of South Holland Economic Development Team, County Councillors, Local Councillors, a Management delegation from Willmott Dixon (The Main Contractor), Boston College Management Team and the Red Lion Quarter marketing team.
The Minister commented “It was good to see for myself the excellent progress being made in developing the new building at the Red Lion Quarter, which I played a part in shaping.
This exciting new development will provide a presence for Boston College in the heart of Spalding with new opportunities for learners of all ages in a range of subjects, as well as, a new commercial facility with offices to rent for start up companies.
This collaboration between different public bodies, which has brought about one of the biggest developments in Spalding for many years, is very welcome. It is vital that we breathe life into our town centres and the Red Lion Quarter Development will do just that. The regeneration of this part of Spalding, which was previously unoccupied, is an important new landmark for our town that will deliver consequent benefits for local shops, cafes and businesses.
I am proud to have played a part in this project from the beginning, and proud as the Minister with responsibility for Further Education to see this development come to fruition on my watch.”
He was particularly impressed with the development’s record of localised spending: to date over £1.9 million has been spent on using local services and expertise within a radius of 20 miles of Spalding, and this has generated a direct benefit to the local economy, numerous local companies and their employees. Within 60 miles of Spalding the total local spending figures rise to an inspiring £3.84 million to date. This has been achieved through the stakeholders’ and the contractors’ dedication to procuring and employing local services throughout the planning and the construction process.
Ed Reynolds Operational Director of Willmott Dixon said “At Willmott Dixon we understand that each construction project creates an opportunity to bolster the local economy. Working with local authorities through the East Midlands Property Alliance and SCAPE frameworks we commit to using these types of projects to support local businesses through these tough economic conditions. This not only safeguards local jobs and businesses but also actively encourages them to provide apprenticeship opportunities and valuable real world work experience placements”.
After the site tour, the Minister visited the Broad street Business Centre, to examine a display which included details of the Red Lion Quarter development from the planning stage, the construction element including several community engagement projects and an array of visuals displaying the imminent finished building and the facilities it will provide the district. During this time, he also had a chance to meet and talk with Jenna Wilson and Billy Coles, two local Apprentices that work and study at Image International, in partnership with Boston College, at their salon in Red Lion Street. He instigated a separate meeting with Boston College Management Team, who are both funders and key tenants of the development, to discuss the educational provision that will be delivered from the new College as well as wider educational matters.
Sue Daley, Principal of Boston College, later stated, “It is great that John Hayes makes the time to visit a local College. He has taken the time to update us on the Government’s national educational policies and has genuinely listened to our own views. John Hayes has always been a great supporter of our new College in Spalding and is looking forward to the building opening its doors to the local people”.
South Holland District Council, working in conjunction with The East Midlands Development Agency EMDA, Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Enterprise and Boston College, expects the £6.5 million investment to help invigorate the local economy as well as delivering the benefits that the completed facility will bring directly to Spalding.
The construction element of the Red Lion Quarter is due to be completed in early January, on time and more importantly on budget, with the numerous facilities opening fully by March 2011.
Part of Red Lion becomes History
The Red Lion Quarter Marketing team have just placed a 'Time Capsule' two feet under the main reception area of the Red Lion Quarter Development, where it will remain for the next 100 years. The Marketing team discussed the contents of time capsule project with several organisation including, local primary schools, students and the general public.
Katrina Gilbert from the Red Lion Quarter Marketing Team, commented "We wanted to create a little span shot of today's society and news. It has been really interesting listening to people's views as to the contents, as you can imagine we have had several hundred ideas some of which we have been able to include. The marketing team have really enjoyed this element of the project and it would be nice to think that some of our relatives could be at the opened ceremony"
The contents included copies of local and national newspapers, popular items; a DVD of Avatar, the top grossing film of all time. 'Now 75' a CD with compilation of the latest music, Jason Atherton's and Rachel Greens latest books (both strong supporters of the development) Local primary school information including pictures and poems that the children created. Willmott Dixon supplied a trowel sign by workers and with the company logo. A new 2010 Coin Collection from the Royal Mint. A 1710 Spalding Gentlemen's Society Mug, A Philips MP3 player, A Buzz Lightyear plastic toy, SHDC food festival events information, press releases including latest news from the war in Afghanistan. Local Spalding and Boston Land ranger maps, playing cards, Wide Horizons book- a history of the South Holland Landscape. Photos of the Economic development team from SHDC and a group photo of the Red Lion Quarter Board.
For a complete list of the items included please contact Katrina Gilbert at Boston College on katrina@boston.ac.uk. The photo was taken on site and reads from left to right Mark Emmerson marketing manager Boston College, Katrina Gilbert marketing coordinator Boston College, Richard Baggaley Centre Manager Red Lion Quarter, Sue Daley Principal Boston College and Cllr Howard Johnson from South Holland District Council. The Time Capsule was buried on Wednesday the 18th August 2010 and is due to opened in August 2110. A plaque commemorating this event will be placed in the main reception area of this exciting development upon opening in March 2011. Cllr Howard Johnson said " It is one of the most exciting projects in Lincolnshire in the last 15 years, it has become a real magnet for interest and potential and it goes to show the tremendous partnership between the South Holland District Council, Lincolnshire Council and the Boston College.
Local Spending hits £2.8 Million
The contract for construction was awarded through the empa framework to Wilmott Dixon Construction Limited and the framework agreement imposed some specific requirements to spend 'locally'. To-date contracts have been awarded locally as follows: spending within 20 miles £1,505,667 and within 60 miles £2,845,645.
A special 'Open Day' for local suppliers and producers will be held at the Broad Street Business Centre on Friday 30th April and is being supported by 'Select Lincolnshire'. Rachel Green, famous Lincolnshire Chef has confirmed that she will be both supporting and attending the event. Rachel commented "The Red Lion Quarter is a really exciting and visionary collaborative project. It will be the perfect showcase for skills of all sorts, from training chefs to retailing food. It is all about what Lincolnshire does best, which is producing the county's finest produce."
Local Companies Receive a New Year Boost
The public competition to select a name for the development at Red Lion Street Spalding, reached a climax with the most popular voted name, “Red Lion Quarter”, being adopted by the Development Board during a meeting at South Holland District Council Offices on Friday 7th January.
The competition prize winner is Mr David Lane of Spalding, who has won a free meal for four people at the new restaurant that is being created at the site; also a special invitation to the opening ceremony with celebrity chef Jason Atherton, that is due to take place in March 2011. The Board would like to express thanks to all the members of the public that took part, and to the Lincs Free Press who helped with the naming selection process and the competition.
The development in Red Lion Street, Spalding has begun the New Year full of vigour: the majority of the site has now been cleared and demolition of the derelict buildings has taken place over the past weekend - a decision that was taken to minimise the disruption to the town centre.
The next major stage of construction will involve the piling of the steel support structure and again the Partners and construction contractors, Willmott Dixon Construction, have taken into account local concern involving disruption and noise levels. The system of insertion of the supports will involve a special crane that 'screws' the piling into the ground rather than striking them into position which will reduce noise and vibration.
Richard Baggaley, South Holland District Council Project Manager for the development, commented “Local people’s concern over the potential disruption this major development may cause has been taken into account by ourselves and the major contractors and we have taken positive measures to reduce any potential adverse impact. All the local residents and businesses have been consulted and received notification of the construction process involved. We have visited many of the residents in person to discuss the development and have been very encouraged by the responses we have received”.
The Board also received the latest figures on Willmott Dixon Construction’s spending on the development to date: with local companies initially winning over 90% of contracts awarded so far.
It is not just in the construction element that local companies are benefitting, a Spalding based business, 'Vantage', has been successful in securing the contract to design and produce the website for the development which, it is hoped, will be completed by early February 2010.
Councillor Paul Przyszlak stated “It’s very encouraging to see local companies gain these contracts. This major investment in the local economy is just one of the benefits that the Red Lion Quarter will continue to bring to Spalding and the surrounding area. It will not only help to secure and create local jobs during these difficult economic times but will help other businesses in the area; it all has a knock on effect”.
South Holland District Council, working in conjunction with The East Midlands Development Agency EMDA, Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Enterprise and Boston College, expects the £7 million pound investment to help invigorate the local economy as well as delivering the benefits that the completed facility will bring directly to Spalding.
Red Lion Street Food Project Gaining Momentum
As a result of consultation the Red Lion Street project design team have taken into account suggestions by the Civic Society and English Heritage and have made amendments to the original design of the elevations.
As part of the successful consultation process the new visuals are on display at the South Holland Council Offices in Priory Road, Spalding, everyone is invited to come and view the displays up until the 6th October.
It is hoped that the popular £6.5 million pound development can then move a step closer to becoming a major focal point for Spalding. The revised plans will then be considered by the Council for full planning approval on the 7th October.
If the planning application is successful the site will begin to be cleared as early as November and the construction of the state-of –the –art building is due to begin in January 2010.
In October the projects marketing team will be inviting the public to engage in a process to name the building; this will be run in conjunction with the Lincs Free Press and a selected panel of partners.
Public Consultation: Have Your Say
The development of the brown-field town centre site in Red Lion Street continues to gain momentum by moving forward to the public consultation stage. After a number of years of consultations and market research the partnership organisation has identified areas of need within the district that this project is hoping to be able to address.
The project will benefit the district by providing a variety of facilities including; further and higher educational services which will accommodate teenagers and adult learners; a managed/nurtured office space for local businesses and a specialist food court showcasing locally produced food and drink for residents and visitors to enjoy.
A new, exciting restaurant is also proposed to be run by trainees, giving them industry, commercial and practical experience. This endeavour is supported by Lincolnshire born, Michelin star celebrity chef Jason Atherton.
Small food production units will allow visitors the chance to see demonstrations of food production, as well as purchase the delights on offer.
The Partnership organisations; Lincolnshire Enterprise, Lincolnshire County Council, East Midlands Development Agency, South Holland District Council and Boston College have all joined forces to secure the £6.5 million pound funding for this project, from Central Government, European funding, Educational funding and from money retained through the implementation of the Spalding Power Station, owned by InterGen. Economic studies have shown that such a large capital investment will help generate £18.75 million pounds of earnings for the district, in turn creating jobs and attracting further investment in the region.
Councillor Paul Prsyszlak, Deputy Leader South Holland District Council commented “We are extremely happy to announce that the funding has been secured, and the project can now move towards the consultation stage. It is a great investment for Spalding and its surrounding towns and villages which, if approved will bring new jobs and substantial investment to the district. The new development of an eco-friendly and sustainable building on a town centre, Brownfield site, will also bring many benefits to not only the local community but also to local businesses. We feel that there will be increased opportunity for the local and surrounding communities to take advantage of the educational training facility, this will improve skill levels, qualifications and increase employability in these difficult economic times”.
At a Public Consultation regarding the development, the public and invited guests were able to view (subject to adjustments) artist’s impressions of the proposed building, as well as speak with the architects, builders and the partners about what is planned within the project.
After the consultation designs and plans will be submitted to the planning committee for approval. If approved it is hoped that the centre will be completed by late 2010 / early 2011.
Red Lion Street Food Heritage Development
Plans are soon to be unveiled to develop a brown-field town centre site for Spalding, off Red Lion Street, that will help regenerate the high street, increase the growing number of attractions in the District as well as creating new employment in the area.
South Holland District Council, working in conjunction with the following partner organisations; The East Midlands Development Agency EMDA, Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Enterprise and Boston College plans to create a' Centre of Catering and Food Excellence'.
The project aims to provide a focal point for the Lincolnshire Food and Drink Industry, with a varied range of services and activities. The building is planned to be of mixed use with the 'Food Centre' offering a range of regional, local and ethnic foods combined with small production units offering the general public the opportunity to view/purchase products being made on-site. The project is planned to be a showcase for organisations such as 'Tastes of Lincolnshire', 'Fenland Foods' and other potential regional businesses.
The environmentally friendly building will include a quality restaurant, managed/nurtured office space for use by small, start-up regional companies. Educational facilities providing catering and business qualifications, training courses full and part/time will be provided by Boston College for young people and adults.
The project is also likely to improve and increase public use in the area proving a strong link between the Market Place and New Road that will benefit existing businesses and potentially attract new companies into the town bringing increased employment. It is intended that the project will proceed in 2009 and will be completed by March 2011.