First phase of St Neots High Street work planned for Autumn

The final design drawing, published by Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) , shows a wide open space with no parking and more seating, and is part of an ambitious £15 million improvement plan for the town.

The improvements are part of the Market Towns Programme to support Huntingdonshire’s town centres, and have been jointly funded by the Cambridge & Peterborough Combined Authority, HDC, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, National Highways and Cambridgeshire County Council.

St Neots is one of 72 towns across England to be awarded an FHSF grant.

The first phase of the improvements will see the current trees replaced in the Market Square. 

HDC says the trees need to be replaced due to faults in how they were planted originally planted, and removal would have been required, irrespective of the improvements work.

HDC executive councillor for jobs, economy and housing, Cllr Sam Wakeford, said: “We are excited to publish the plans for St Neots Market Square.

"Alongside the related projects we are progressing in St Neots, this should make a positive impact on the town centre, improving its look and feel to ignite civic pride and create a renewed sense of space.”

Cllr Rob Simonis, mayor of St Neots, added: “It’s exciting to see the months of planning and consultation on this project start to come to life.

"The refurbished Market Square promises a fresh space where we can hold events and give people even more reasons to come to our town, in turn, supporting our local traders.

"I look forward to the work starting in the Autumn and learning more about the timelines once a contractor is appointed.”

The formal procurement process to appoint a contractor to undertake the scheme commenced in May 2023 and is due to conclude in September with works starting in late October.

To find out more about this project, go to: www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/people-communities/market-towns-programme/investment-in-st-neots/.