Following years of planning and months of building works, a new era of auctioneering has begun in St Neots with the re-opening of W&H Peacock's Auction Centre.

The redeveloped and extended centre opened its doors to bidding customers on December 1, with items again going back under the hammer seven months after the last sale.

Located on New Street, the new build now boasts two good-sized salerooms, a first-floor café, dedicated display areas and modern facilities for local auctioneers to have a whole new experience.

The Hunts Post: An aerial shot of the new auction centre which was completed in partnership with architects Woods Hardwick and builders Parkway Construction.An aerial shot of the new auction centre which was completed in partnership with architects Woods Hardwick and builders Parkway Construction. (Image: Parkway Construction)

Manager of the St Neots Auction Centre, Anthony Baker, said: “We had a good day today (December 1).

"There was a great big crowd which was good to see. I’ve been very encouraged by the reaction and response from the people of St Neots; they’re all very enthusiastic about what we’ve done here."

Residents were able to get a first look at the new facilities during a viewing on Wednesday, November 30 and get a taste of what the centre has to offer.

The Hunts Post: The interior of the one of the salesrooms where 'big crowds' congregated to view items at the re-opening.The interior of the one of the salesrooms where 'big crowds' congregated to view items at the re-opening. (Image: Parkway Construction)

District councillor for Priory Park and Little Paxton, Stephen Ferguson, attended the viewing and shared his excitement about the new centre on social media.

"If you’ve ever bought on eBay, you need to check this out. It’s the same thing but you get to inspect the goods before you buy them," said Cllr Ferguson.

"They have everything from new iPads to proper antiques. This is huge for St Neots."

The site will hold two weekly sales every Thursday, together­ featuring more than 1,000 lots of furniture, household goods & electronics, tools, machinery & building supplies, garden & outdoor products and ex-retail stocks, as well as occasional specialist sales, valuation days and events throughout the year.

"I am delighted with it. It’s a vast improvement on what was here," Mr Baker added.

"We’ve managed to come up with a building that is sympathetic to the surroundings but at the same time is modern and also ties in with our company aesthetic."

Sales at the centre can also be bid for online, and the first lot of the re-opening featured a French provincial wheelbarrow filled with a hamper of food and wine.

The item sold and raised £380 for the Sue Ryder charity acting as a pleasant way to kick off a new start to auctioneering in St Neots.