The Continuing Story of Churchgate
| Published: 28th July 2008 11:14 |
The latest news on Churchgate from Hitchin's Town Centre Manager Keith Hoskins (right)...
The Council has received a number of expressions of interest from companies regarding the redevelopment of Churchgate and adjacent sites (Biggin Lane, St Mary's Square and Portmill Lane). This number is being whittled down so that a preferred developer might be in place in the Autumn.
In the meantime, a planning application has been submitted by Hammersmatch Ltd (the Churchgate head lessee and landlord) for a Refurbishment Scheme much along the lines of that submitted by previous landlords Northern Trust which received planning consent in March 2000.
The Hammersmatch application would seek to improve the Market Place frontage by use of materials and lighting more sympathetic to the historical context. The main walkway would be improved by the removal of existing canopies and the installation of glass canopies to maintain the cover but reinstate full day lighting. The main stretch of this pedestrian area would be further weatherproofed by installing a self-cleaning glass cover on a new central post system. These posts would also incorporate new light fittings. The scheme will include major maintenance and redecoration with a complete repaving of the whole area.
This application would be a distinct improvement on the current unsatisfactory situation. It would have the advantage of being a sizeable investment and a statement of confidence in the town. It would be capable of being delivered within a much shorter timescale. However, it may not satisfy the aspirations of those who would like to see a significant enhancement of the wider area. Although nothing in this application would prevent adjacent sites from consideration at a later date, the value of Churchgate as the key retail development would be lost to any such application for a generation.
Watch this space!
Keith Hoskins
Hitchin Town Centre Manager
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