Excitement is beginning to build in St Neots with building work to enhance the High Street and Market Square set to commence in Summer 2023.

At the moment, "all the milestones are being hit" to deliver more than £15 million worth of investment in the market town, improving it for the benefit of local people, businesses, and visitors.

Huntingdonshire District Council's Market Towns Programme team were out in St Neots during market day on December 1 to show the public detailed plans for the upcoming projects and ensure they listened and captured people's thoughts from previous consultations.

Executive Councillor for Jobs, Economy & Housing, and portfolio holder for the project, Cllr Sam Wakeford, said: “The projects that we are progressing in St Neots are intended to make a positive impact on the town centre, making improvements to the look and feel that ignites civic pride and creates a renewed sense of place.

"In terms of the next steps, the Market Square, High Street and Road Bridge projects that we’re really excited about are in detailed design stages."

HDC is also exploring a number of other projects in St Neots, including the refurbishment of the Priory Centre and improvements to how the Riverside is accessed from this facility.

HDC is also working with the owner of the Old Falcon Inn to identify how the long derelict building can be brought back into active use.  

 

The Hunts Post: Several people spoke to the Market Towns Project team to discuss the schemes planned to enhance the town.Several people spoke to the Market Towns Project team to discuss the schemes planned to enhance the town. (Image: Huntingdonshire District Council)

St Neots Town Council has been working alongside HDC to deliver the Market Towns Programme, and St Neots East Cllr Lara Davenport-Ray said: "I think people are excited for things to start and ready for action, and as a resident, I would like to see the same."

Plans include expanding the market square, widening the footpath, creating an integrated green space and making the road accessible only for businesses and stall holders, whilst pathways and crossing areas will be enhanced on the High Street.

Cllr Ben Pitt, Mayor of St Neots, said, "It's great to see the plans for our High Street and Market Square coming together.

"At the Town Council, we are committed to making our public spaces and local economy thrive.

"That means creating environments that people want to spend time in, where they can connect with each other and support local businesses.

"It's wonderful to see the Town and District Councils working closely together to bring this vision to life."

Once work begins, it is hoped the improvements will be complete by the end of 2024.

For more information about the other projects and the Market Towns Programme, www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/people-communities/market-towns-programme/investment-in-st-neots