The group behind a Huntingdonshire-based community hub said it is 'hopeful' about its return after it was forced to close its doors last month.

The St Neots Citizen Hub opened in July last year to help residents find better jobs, access qualifications and training, and start and grow small businesses. 

It was founded in partnership by the St Neots Initiative, a voluntary organisation, and Evolve Your Future with support from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to provide a range of services for residents looking to improve their skills in life and work.

The Citizen Hub, which operated out of 58 Market Square in St Neots until August 16, initially announced its closure 'earlier than expected' due to 'unforeseen circumstances'. 

Former chair and current trustee of the St Neots Initiative Alex Hughes, has now confirmed the hub was forced to close as its training provider Evolve Your Future could no longer 'sustain' the cost of the project alone and that although they had foresight on the impending closure, alternative funding could not be found fast enough.

As part of the business model, the Combined Authority brokered a unique partnership between Evolve Your Future, a commissioned training provider for the Combined Authority's devolved adult education budget, and the St Neots Initiative, which would provide the volunteers and supportive local community organisations to serve the citizens locally.

Mr Hughes told The Hunts Post: "At the end of June we were made aware by Evolve Your Future that they couldn't sustain bearing the whole cost of the premises without us. 

"Although the long-term plan has always been for the Citizen Hub to transition to a stage where it could stand on its own two feet financially, we weren't able to do that quickly enough, so the training provider gave notice to the landlord.

"We’ve been desperately trying to find a new partnership to bring the hub back as soon as possible. We were hoping for a seamless transition, but unfortunately, we didn’t get much notice and had just a few days to vacate. 

"We’re in talks with the landlord and other partners because everyone can see the social impact the hub was having and while we don't have a physical presence as of yet, we're still very much offering residents support online.

"So, I have to say it's officially closed, but I’d just urge residents to keep their eyes peeled because there is something coming back. And it really helps that the community is being so supportive." 

Since opening last year, the Citizen Hub has supported more than 700 people in areas ranging from skills training to access to mental health support and has received more than 135 job applications. 

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority said: "We were sorry to learn that the Citizen Hub cannot remain open in its premises in Market Square and applaud their work which has already helped hundreds of people.

"We are committed to ensuring skills and employment support is delivered to St Neots and we are actively working with providers to achieve this.”

Evolve Your Future did not respond to The Hunts Post's request for comment.