Welcome to the Churchgate Conversation
This platform has been designed to update you on the progress of our Churchgate Regeneration project, and to take you on this exciting journey with us to improve this much-loved area of Hitchin.
This website is being continuously updated, so make sure you check back for regular project and maintenance updates, activities, discussions and more. Click on the 'news' tab to read through our project updates!
The story so far…
North Herts Council acquired the leasehold of the Churchgate shopping centre in August, 2022. This means the Council now have full ownership of the premises as we already own the freehold of the centre, as well as adjacent sites including Hitchin Market, Biggin Lane, Portmill Lane and St Mary’s car parks. We now have the best opportunity we’ve ever had to regenerate this part of Hitchin.
In February 2023 we carried out a preliminary public consultation to find out initial views on the current site, and themes on how to improve the area. The local community provided us with feedback, and we were keen to explore the key themes in greater detail via our second stage consultation.
The second stage consultation launched on 10 September until 3 November 2024 via an online survey, stakeholder workshops and in-person ‘Hub’ situated in the town centre. Over 1,500 of you responded to the survey with 1,000 visitors coming to visit us in the Hub. This provided us with a wealth of invaluable views and opinions that we can now take forward into our next steps and plan. From the consultation, we pulled out five key recommendations that should underpin any potential regeneration on this site. Make sure you read the Second Stage Consultation Overview and Results as well as the Summary Report for further details.
Hitchin is a wonderful market town with a huge amount of potential, and this investment will aim to improve the offer for all residents of the district, as well as those visiting the area.
This is your one-stop-shop to the ongoing Churchgate Regeneration Project - get involved and follow the journey!
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Get notified on upcoming engagements and the latest project related news.
"We are thrilled to be leading on this ambitious, regeneration project alongside our community. This is a fantastic opportunity for the Council to deliver a new scheme that will benefit everyone in the District and beyond."
Cllr Daniel Allen
Leader of North Herts Council
Timeline
August 2022
Council purchase Churchgate leasehold
November 2022
Project Board appointed
December 2022
Launched First Stage Public Survey
February 2023
Review findings and strategy
June 2023
Appointment of Lambeth Smith Hampton
July 2023
Phase 1 and 2 of Lambert Smith Hampton's work programme
May 2024
Council attended UKREiiF Event
September 2024
Second Stage Public Consultation
December 2024
Analysing consultation survey results and preparing a feedback report
February 2025
Second stage public consultation feedback report published
March 2025
Roadmap to Delivery and viability testing
April 2025
Aim to begin procurement process
May 2025
Council to attend UKREiiF 2025
September 2025
Work in partnership with a development partner to prepare a masterplan application for the Churchgate Regeneration Zone