Plans to regenerate Hitchin's Churchgate area have moved into a new phase, although councillors have warned that concerns surrounding parking and the future shape of the development must be properly addressed.

North Herts Council approved the next stage of the long-running project at a Full Council meeting on Thursday, July 16.

The council will now appoint a specialist regeneration partner through a competitive procurement process to refine the plans, conduct further feasibility work and examine potential ways of delivering the scheme.

Council chair Cllr Keith Hoskins noted that the regeneration of Churchgate had been discussed as far back as 1987, with previous attempts to redevelop the area failing to come to fruition.

Over the past year, independent technical studies have examined parking, Hitchin Market, public spaces, planning, heritage and the financial viability of different options.

Cllr Tamsin Thomas, North Herts Council's Executive Member for Enterprise, said: "I'm really pleased we've reached this stage of the project. Churchgate has huge potential, and we want to make sure we get this right for Hitchin.

"We've spent time gathering expert advice and understanding what will work before making any big decisions.

"There's still more to do, but this is an important step towards creating a town centre that people can enjoy for years to come."

The council said its parking study found Hitchin generally has sufficient town-centre capacity, except during the Saturday lunchtime peak.

Specialist consultants have also assessed options intended to ensure Hitchin Market remains commercially successful and continues to play an important role in the town centre.

However, Liberal Democrat councillors who supported the next phase sounded a note of caution.

Hitchin Highbury councillor Sam Collins said: "The people of Hitchin have seen decades of discussion, consultation and bits of paper being passed back and forwards about Churchgate and what to do with it, and I think people are a bit fed up with it.

"We've got to do what is right for Hitchin and the whole of North Hertfordshire, not necessarily what is right for developers who want to make profit."

Parking also remains a contentious part of the debate.

Cllr Matt Barnes said: "I'm not convinced that the parking problem has been sufficiently addressed.

"I'm comfortable to progress this through to the next stage, but I think we need better answers around that."

In March, the council approved £200,000 for new digital and other signage in Hitchin's town-centre car parks.

The system will provide motorists with up-to-date information about available spaces, with the aim of improving traffic flow and making it easier to visit the town.

Early engagement with developers and investors has reportedly demonstrated strong commercial interest in Hitchin, while also underlining the need for further feasibility work.

The council stressed that no final decisions have been made about the future development or the market, and that it will retain control throughout the process.

Work is expected to continue through 2026 and into 2027. Any future scheme or planning application will require further approval from councillors.