There are three main projects that make up the Investment in St Neots Programme which were selected from many project ideas.
Proposals needed to:
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fit the strategic direction of the town
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align to the funding priorities and criteria of the DLUHC's Future High Streets Fund
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maximise value for money for the public sector (costs relative to benefits) and
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be deliverable within the timeframe with acceptable risks.
A longlist of proposals was created through engagement with various stakeholders and compiled with those identified in previous Masterplanning activity, to create the programme that is now being delivered.
The final projects to take forward into delivery were selected through engagement with stakeholders, urban design studies and cost estimation and an options appraisal.
1. Public realm improvements in St Neots Town Centre
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Investigating the feasibility and potential benefits of a permanent performance stage on the Market Square. Architects AOC have been appointed to gather ideas, public feedback and create concept design ideas for the proposal to allow HDC to evaluate the benefits and costs, and make an informed decision on whether to proceed. A public engagement session was held at one of the Saturday Farmers Markets in July 2024 with a subsequent session on the Thursday Market in November, both aimed at hearing the thoughts of residents, visitors and business owners on the ideas and what the people of St Neots would like to see if a stage were built. View the three concept design ideas [PDF, 2MB] [PDF, 6MB], and give feedback on the proposals by completing this survey.
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A series of interventions aimed at improving the look and feel of St Neots town centre began in late 2023.
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The project will enhance the Market Square by removing car parking and creating an open community space, benefitting from new landscaping, surfacing and street furniture to become a part of the town that people wish to spend time, and improve the facilities for the 1,000-year-old charter market to safeguard its future and encourage its growth.
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The square will be expanded, and new disabled parking spaces will be created along the south side.
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Improvements will also be made along the High Street and town bridge, with a new pedestrian crossing at Huntingdon Street, widening of footpaths and surface replacement and repair throughout to improve the pedestrian experience, particularly for those less able or who use mobility aids.
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Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs) on all junctions and increased cycle storage provision will also benefit cyclists and encourage people to visit the town centre using active travel means.
2. Producing plans for the Priory Centre to explore the future provision of a high-quality event and cultural space and act as an anchor for the future redevelopment of the northern parts of the town centre
- Potential options for enhancement to the Priory Centre are currently under analysis for feasibility.
3. Exploring how to bring the Old Falcon Inn back into productive use and protect its heritage status
- Discussions are ongoing with the current owner of the Old Falcon Inn. Surveys have taken place to understand the current state of the building and build a picture of the feasibility and cost associated with bringing the building back into productive use.
