Springfield Gardens in Spalding East Midlands is undergoing a £22m investment programme.

The 38-acre site will include showcase gardens, 40 factory outlet retail units; water pools and canals, a feature windmill, children's play areas, woodland and an all year round events programme.

The 140,000sq ft retail and garden centre is incorporating nearly 1,000 car parking and 20 coach parking spaces in a bid to generate a £41m spend.

Developer, Thornfield Properties, has worked in partnership with the Springfield Horticultural Society to produce the plans for a destination where visitors can 'shop, eat and gain inspiration for their gardens from the Chelsea -style themed areas'.

David Norton, chief executive for Springfields Horticultural Society said: 'The regeneration of Springfields has created a frenzy of excitement within the horticultural world, drawing participation from highly respected personalities and TV celebrities wanting to put their mark on Springfields.'

Garden centre operator, Blue Diamond, is taking a 47,000sq ft unit on the Springfields site, where over 150,000 people currently visit the Spalding Flower Parade each May Bank Holiday.

Various TV stars including Chris Beardshaw and The Flying Gardener, will be designing a showcase garden for the site as well as former pop star, Kim Wilde, who said her showcase garden is to be called A lifetime Ahead:

'Inspiration for the project came about after becoming aware of the detrimental effects that global warming is posing for today's world. The design of our garden aims to bring the effects of global warming to the forefront of people and children's minds in a way that is both aspirational and educational without preaching and being too trivial.'

On completion, expected by Spring 2004, the leisure, horticultural and shopping centre expects two million visitors a year. Details: www.spaldingnet.com