St Neots Old Falcon in Market Square event about future

The Old Falcon in the St Neots Market Square has been derelict for 20 years and many attempts have been made to inject life back into the building. It has been subject to several planning applications over the years with attempts to convert it into flats, shops, restaurants and other commercial outlets.

None of the plans have ever materialised which has left the Grade II Listed Building left to sit on the Market Square.

However, as the multi-million pound project to regenerate the Market Square continues, questions have been raised over whether the Old Falcon will also get a face lift.

In a major update on the new future of the Old Falcon, The Hunts Post can confirm that Huntingdonshire District Council are planning on holding an information/engagement event on the status of the building. 

This will be welcomed by many St Neots residents who are keen to see something done with the building.

Dennis Whitfield, of Whitfield Associates, is still the owner of the Old Falcon. He purchased the building in 2004 for £1 million.

Dennis Whitfield is the owner of the Old Falcon. (Image: Newsquest)

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However, Mr Whitfield has found himself in several disputes with Huntingdonshire District Council over what to do with the building. He spoke to The Hunts Post in 2013 about his difficulties with converting the site.

He was close to selling the pub 11 years ago, but it remains in his possession in 2024.

In 2019, St Neots Town Council voted to push on with a Compulsory Purchase Order of the building which would have seen Huntingdonshire District Council act as the "acquiring party" of the old hotel.

However, the Town Council were told five years ago that a Compulsory Purchase Order could take several years to complete and that it would incur high legal costs.

Huntingdonshire District Council said in 2019 that a Compulsory Purchase Order was a "last resort" for the future of the building.