North Herts Council has launched its next round of consultation to shape the future of the Churchgate shopping area of Hitchin.

Based in the heart of Hitchin town centre and overlooking the town's historic, much-loved Market Place and wrapping around the Grade I listed St Mary's Church and its churchyard, the site extends to over five acres.

It includes the 1970's Churchgate Shopping Centre; the 800-year-old open-air charter market; four car parks; and associated service yards, accessed via Biggin Lane and from Market Place.

The council says this is a "unique opportunity" for everyone across the district and beyond to take part in shaping the transformation of Churchgate into "a vibrant and welcoming hub" that reflects the "needs and desires of the community".

The previous consultation was held in February 2023.

The feedback will be used to "create a collective vision" for the regeneration of the area.

Steve Crowley, service director – enterprise, at North Herts Council, said: "We are excited to be moving forward with our consultation to seek our communities' views on the future of the Churchgate shopping area of Hitchin.

"It is vital that any development honours the wishes of communities and respects the history of Hitchin.

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"This amazing opportunity provides significant potential to revitalise the market, enhance the river Hiz and create new walkways along its edge, improve the connections and pedestrian links between the site and the rest of Hitchin, and provide a diverse, attractive, and viable mix of commercial, cultural, arts and community facilities, as well as a range of town centre living.

"We look forward to reviewing your feedback so we can better understand the collective vision for the future of our beautiful market town."

To take part in the consultation you can visit the project team in person at the Churchgate Regeneration Hub at 16/17 Market Place, Hitchin, SG5 1DS, which will be open to the public from 10am - 6pm on the following dates:

• Tuesday 17 September
• Friday 20 September
• Saturday 21 September
• Tuesday 24 September
• Friday 27 September
• Saturday 28 September

You can also have your say by filling in the online survey available here – www.north-herts.gov.uk/churchgate.

Should you need the survey in an alternative format (e.g., hard copy, braille, larger format, community languages) and for any other enquiries, please contact: [email protected].