Market Town’s £15m Upgrade Reportedly Affecting Local Trade

A trader asserts that the continuing £15 million regeneration efforts in a market town are having a “negative impact” on local businesses. Osman Aslan, representing the Market Cafe & Restaurant in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, stated that the construction on the town’s Market Square, which commenced in January, has presented challenges, leading to noise pollution and a reduction in clientele. The completion of this project was initially anticipated for January 2025. Huntingdonshire District Council, a co-funder of the initiative, indicated that the work is now projected to conclude in April, following delays attributed to problems with a cast-iron service main. This revitalization forms part of a £15 million investment in the town, financed collaboratively by the Cambridge & Peterborough Combined Authority, the district council, the government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, National Highways, and Cambridgeshire County Council. Mr. Aslan commented: “It’s had quite a negative impact – the biggest has been the noise pollution. “We do feel like trade has decreased a lot.” He acknowledged that “Obviously when it’s done it will improve St Neots and our community, and we’ll be delighted, but this whole construction period has been very difficult for us.” He also expressed his hope that the square would be aesthetically enhanced, considering its role as “the heart of the town.” He further noted a scarcity of nearby parking and difficulties encountered by delivery drivers attempting to access the establishment. The postponement of the completion date, he added, has generated “uncertainty,” complicating the business’s planning efforts. The district council stated its provision of a Shop Front Grant Scheme, valued at £50,000, intended to assist businesses impacted by the work. Labour councillor Sam Wakeford mentioned that the anticipated completion date had previously been extended to March 31. He explained, “The discovery of a cast iron service main caused some delays,” but affirmed that “However, efforts to reschedule and accelerate other work have kept the project largely on track, with completion now expected in April 2025.” He concluded by highlighting that “Significant progress has been made, with the north side of the Market Square now open, the High Street/New Street resurfacing complete, and the Huntingdon Street crossroads nearly finished.”