Hitchin's MP and leading local politicians have reacted to the news that Churchgate is for sale.

Our town's parliamentarian and the leader of North Herts District Council have opened up on plans to sell the prime site for £2.5m.

As Nub News exclusively reported earlier this week, it is understood that there are at least three separate suitors in the form of property developers - who aim to turn the site into residential property after owners Hammersmatch put the site up for sale this month.

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

However, NHDC confirmed to Nub News that they are interested in buying the site. The means the council would appoint a private company to run a consultation with the Hitchin public as to the best way to revitalise the area.

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

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

Hitchin MP Bim Afolami told Nub News: "I fully support efforts to regenerate Churchgate into a thriving centre for business in Hitchin and I hope that North Hertfordshire District Council will put in a strongly competitive bid to buy the site.

"In 2018-19, I led a cross-party group to put together a Hitchin bid to the Government's Future High Streets Fund which had Churchgate regeneration at its heart and attracted attention from senior government ministers.

"Unfortunately, at that time we were unsuccessful, but it is my hope that this new opportunity presents us with a chance to bring this important town centre site into public ownership, protect local businesses, and improve the look and feel of this important part of Hitchin."

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.

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, NHDC told Nub News: "The council is aware that the Churchgate Centre is currently being marketed.

"Full council previously decided that our preference was for the council to purchase the lease for the shopping centre, subject to the financial case for doing so.

"We welcome the opportunity of purchasing the leasehold and are actively exploring this opportunity.

"Of course, any bid the council makes will be subject to approval by councillors.

"We encourage any other prospective bidders to contact the council, as freeholder and owner of the surrounding land, so that we can discuss what ideas they have for the site."

The area, featuring brutalist architecture from the early 1970s, is being marketed by an agent on behalf of the current owners Hammersmatch, as a 'rare opportunity to acquire a site with strong redevelopment potential'.

In a marketing brochure seen by Nub News, agents Lunson Mitchenall are offering the 'key town centre location' for £2.5m, promising a net yield of more than 13 per cent.

However, Paul Clark, deputy NHDC leader added: "As the leaseholder, we would have much greater control and influence over a key asset in our district and could ensure that any future proposals meet the aspirations of the community for Hitchin town centre".

"Delivering a vibrant town that responds to today's and tomorrow's leisure, consumer and employment demands is more important than ever as we seek to support our communities and economy after the impact of the pandemic".

Read Hitchin Nub News for the latest developments on Churchgate