Huntingdon and St Ives have been allocated the last of a £13.1 million pot of funding to go towards regeneration projects that will transform the towns.

In a significant vote, the Board of the Combined Authority unanimously approved on March 22 the last bid for funding under its Market Towns Programme. 

Huntingdonshire District Council proposed a programme of activities for the historic market towns of Huntingdon and St Ives, which will deliver major improvements across the transport network, town centre environment, support for local businesses, and support growth in the visitor-based economy.  

READ MORE: HDC leader urges the pubic to help shape the vision for Hunts market towns

The Hunts Post: A green cycling link to help active travel and a community bandstand in St Ives are some of the projects set to happen thanks to the funding,A green cycling link to help active travel and a community bandstand in St Ives are some of the projects set to happen thanks to the funding, (Image: Newsquest)

Combined Authority grant funding of £802,150 was then agreed by the Board to match an additional £120,000 of partner investment to deliver a portfolio of Huntingdon and St Ives Market Town Regeneration projects.

The agreed funding means the £13.1 million fund is now fully allocated across 52 beneficiary projects in the key market towns of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough region.

READ MORE: Work to deliver more than £15 million investment in St Neots set to begin in 2023

The Hunts Post: Huntingdon Town Centre is set to benefit from the Market Towns Programme.Huntingdon Town Centre is set to benefit from the Market Towns Programme. (Image: Huntingdonshire District Council)

Huntingdon and St Ives regeneration projects

  • Broadway – St Ives – Cycle Link Scheme – highways-based improvement scheme delivered in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council. Will deliver a green cycling link to help active travel.
  • St Ives Community Bandstand – community drive and funded initiative to provide a new venue for cultural events and activities. 
  • Shop Front Grant Scheme – direct grants – between £5K and £10k – towards improving shop fronts in both Huntingdon and St Ives town centres. 
  • Cromwell Museum Expansion – major investment to bring the Museum up to scratch with essential visitor facilities.
  • Huntingdon BID Visitor Information – a new facility housed within the Commemoration Hall to provide visitors with information about the town centre and a base for businesses to visit and liaise with BID staff. 

This was the final bid under the Combined Authority's Market Towns Programme, and the £13.1m budget is now fully allocated and approved against a portfolio of 52 projects.  

Overall Market Towns Programme completion is expected by March 2026.