I met with Vicky and John Wyer, and Stephen Boddey, to discuss their ideas for the renewal of the Churchgate centre in Hitchin. I was really impressed with the work they had put in, done on a pro bono basis, to come up with a redevelopment plan. I will be working with them, other groups within Hitchin, North Herts Council, and most importantly the people of Hitchin – to build a consensus on the type of redevelopment the town wants, and then finally get plans agree…d to renovate Churchgate.
In January, I will be hosting a meeting in Hitchin with the Government Minister responsible for improving Britain’s town centres, Jake Berry – a meeting that will be attended by representatives from North Herts Council, Hitchin Initiative, and other local groups. We will be discussing how Hitchin can get access to the Government’s new £650m “Future High Street” fund – a fund designed to support local areas’ plans to make high streets and town centres fit for the 21st century.