HITCHIN: North Herts District Council have outlined their current position on controversial Churchgate plans.

As Hitchin Nub News exclusively revealed this week the prime town centre site is being actively marketed for sale for £2.5m.

Hitchin Nub News understand that there are at least three separate property developers hovering in the wings aiming to turn the site into residential property after owners Hammersmatch put the site up for sale this month.

However, with Churchgate home to more than 30 local local businesses there are fears that the very fabric of the town centre could be changed forever if developers have their way.

What happens next is vital to the long-term health of Hitchin town centre, with NHDC expected to make a bid for the site.

The council would then appoint a private company to run a consultation with the Hitchin public as to the best way to revamp the area.

This would then see the site improved and developed, to make the area a 'destination' visit for shoppers and leisure seekers.

This could even include possible plans for a cinema and restaurants to run alongside local businesses.

NHDC have now clarified their position to Nub News as follows:

1) Full Council approve the principle of purchasing the leasehold interest for the Churchgate Shopping Centre, subject to further consideration of the economic case for doing so.

(2) Full Council agrees that any regeneration of Churchgate and the surrounding area must be a viable investment that maintains a return to the council.

(3) That officers are instructed to continue to consider a range of potential solutions in order to allow the flexibility needed to identify possible viable investments, subject to further council decision in due course on the acceptability of any such solutions.

NHDC's joint administration has a clear preference that the council purchase the leasehold interest, subject to the financial case for doing so, in order to ensure control of the entire wider Churchgate area.

The council can then determine its preferred approach moving forward, including any partners it might choose to work with.

Former long-serving town centre manager Keith Hoskins told Nub News: "Effectively this states that NHDC believe the interests of the community can be served best by the council having total control of the area.

"Bear in mind that NHDC owns the freehold so whoever buys the lease would have to get some accommodation with the council anyway.

"The council over all these years has a clearer idea of what would be acceptable and a better focus on what the town will need post-pandemic.

"The close partnership between the council, community groups and commerce - through Hitchin BID - will be an essential tool in the decision-making process."

Read Hitchin Nub News for all the latest on this story.