Consultants commissioned to undertake an independent review of the property market in St Neots, and to identify possible development opportunities for the Priory Site, have reported their findings.
The results of the study will now be discussed with members of St Neots Town and Huntingdonshire District Council and used to inform further work in respect of developing an urban design framework – a ‘masterplan’ for the future development of this important part of the town centre. This, in due course could be adopted as supplementary planning guidance, giving a clear steer to potential developers about the type of development that may be deliverable within this area.
Town Council representative Deputy Leader Cllr Derek Giles said: “We welcomed the commissioning of this report which will give us information to help us in deciding a way forward that will meet the needs of our expanding town. I would sincerely hope that this report is used in conjunction with other design briefs now being drawn up for the town rather than be looked at in isolation. If all the three Councils adopt a joint approach then we have a unique opportunity to make St.Neots a vibrant shopping and entertainment centre. This is a wonderful once in a generation opportunity to provide the kind of facilities which our town needs and deserves. I am disappointed that the report has a negative approach to a cinema complex on a small part of the site and seems to focus mainly on housing.
Councillor Peter Bucknell, Huntingdonshire District Council’s executive councillor for planning strategy, transport and the environment, said: “We are committed to the planned regeneration of the Priory site, and the wider Priory Quarter area of the town centre, in order to make the most of the sites attractive riverside setting.
“We will be consulting with partners and other stakeholders, particularly with St Neots Town Council, and individual members of the community, before drawing up a framework which will seek to safeguard, and enhance, existing community facilities, where possible as well as drawing up a viable strategy for the economic and environmental regeneration of this area.
”However, one of the constraints on future development is that much of the area lies in a flood plain.”
One of the particular issues the consultants, CB Richard Ellis, have been asked to look at in more detail is the potential suitability of the Priory site to accommodate a cinema use. Their report concludes that this may not be viable. The district council is disappointed with this outcome, but remains committed to working with St Neots Town Council and other partners to consider whether it may be feasible to look at other longer term development options within the town.