A new visitors’ centre opened in Huntingdon with Mayor Dr Nik Johnson and town centre manager Paul Sweeney on ribbon cutting duties. Dr Johnson said: “Attracting businesses, sharpening the town profile, and building the visitor economy are crucial parts of boosting recovery in our market towns.
“This new visitor centre is the welcome result of a locally led creative partnership and I’m in no doubt it will have a positive impact on Huntingdon and the revitalisation of its high street.”
Based in Commemoration Hall (39 High Street), the front office has been transformed into a welcoming, accessible space.
Using a grant from the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority (CAPCA) the centre will be a first port of call for welcoming visitors and residents.
Mr Sweeney said: “My belief is that as a BID our role is to support local shops and businesses, drive footfall and extend dwell time.
“What I felt was missing, not just from Huntingdon but from most towns around the UK, was a heart right at the centre of our high streets in which to do that.”
The visitor centre secured a 50k grant from CAPCA.
Huntingdonshire executive councillor for jobs, economy and housing, Cllr Sam Wakeford said: “The collaboration between the council, CAPCA and Huntingdon BID has been instrumental in making this project a reality.
“This visitor centre will serve as a focal point for the ongoing development of Huntingdon’s distinct character.”
The new centre will be open 7 days a week from 10am – 2pm (3pm Saturdays).
Huntingdon’s first ever visitor centre is one of several initiatives across Huntingdon and St Ives funded by CAPCA.
They aim to deliver major improvements in the transport network, town-centre environment, and to give local businesses a boost as well as supporting growth in the visitor-based economy.
Dr Johnson said: “Huntingdon First BID will manage the centre and use it to help drum up more business for traders and service providers in and around Huntingdon. It will provide a rallying point for local companies and entrepreneurs, helping them to work together and access various forms of support when these become available.”
The centre will be a venue where locals and visitors alike can find information on shops, services, attractions, walks and events, alongside heritage literature, maps, town guides, and gift-shop merchandise promoting Huntingdon.
The Commemoration Hall, a charity-run heritage building on the high street, offers the visitors centre a cost-effective opportunity to serve the town in a prime strategic location.
