Churchgate Regeneration Zone - Hitchin Town Centre

Description

North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) is undertaking a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) exercise in relation to the regeneration of the Churchgate area in Hitchin town centre. This is a complex, multi-faceted opportunity comprising the Churchgate Shopping Centre, Hitchin Market, and adjacent car parks including Portmill and St Mary’s. The site sits at the heart of the town and plays an important role in its economic, social and civic function. Since establishing the Development Principles in May 2025, the Council has undertaken further work to explore the viability, deliverability and strategic direction of the scheme. This has included member workshops, technical analysis and engagement with the market. The ambition remains to deliver a high-quality, mixed-use scheme that supports the long-term vitality of the town centre, including new homes, a reimagined market offer, a viable commercial mix and enhanced public realm. Building on the Development Principles and the Consultation Summary Report, this work has explored a number of key factors in greater depth. This includes testing development scenarios and their impact on viability, reviewing the condition and performance of existing assets, and considering delivery route options and associated risk profiles. Parking and accessibility have also been considered, including capacity, distribution and potential mitigation measures. Early engagement with developers and delivery partners has provided initial insight into market appetite, delivery structures and the conditions required to support investment. The purpose of this PME is to seek market feedback on the emerging approach, including the viability of the proposed land use mix, key constraints to delivery, potential delivery models, commercial structures and procurement approach. Feedback will be used to inform the Council’s future strategy and any subsequent procurement. In addition to this PME exercise, the Council will be engaging with the market through an informal breakfast briefing session at UKREiiF in May 2026. This session is intended to provide an opportunity for discussion and early market insight. Attendance is optional, and any information relevant to the opportunity will be made available through the formal PME process to ensure transparency and equal access. This engagement is being conducted for information-gathering purposes only and does not constitute a call for competition or commitment to procure. Participation will not confer any advantage in any future procurement process. The Council will ensure that any relevant information arising from this engagement is shared in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner. NHDC uses an e-tendering system (In-Tend) for all procurement activity, including this PME exercise. Interested parties must register and submit their responses via the Supply Hertfordshire portal: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/supplyhertfordshire/aspx/Home