Huntingdon helping to shape the future of regional tourism

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Huntingdon BID represents the town on a regional working group established by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, helping ensure Huntingdon has a voice in shaping the future of tourism and culture across the region.

LVEP working group

Huntingdon BID sits on the LVEP Working Group, which is applying for local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) status through Arts Council England. Achieving LVEP status would formally establish Cambridgeshire and Peterborough as a destination of choice on both the national and international stage — unlocking support, investment, and profile that benefits towns like Huntingdon across the whole region.

LVEPs are a nationally recognised framework championed by VisitEngland, designed to bring together local authorities, destination management organisations, and tourism businesses to develop joined-up strategies that sustainably grow the visitor economy.

What this means for Huntingdon

“Huntingdon has a compelling story to tell. Our history, our riverside, our independent businesses — these are exactly the kinds of assets that make a destination worth visiting. Being part of these working groups means we can make sure Huntingdon is properly represented as the region builds its cultural and tourism vision.”

This work is at the heart of what Huntingdon BID is all about—championing the town, connecting it to wider opportunities, and making sure it stands alongside the region’s larger destinations.

We’ll keep you updated as both initiatives develop. If you’re a local business or organisation and would like to find out more, please get in touch.

Huntingdon Takes Bold Step Toward Becoming UK Town of Culture 2028

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Huntingdon Takes Bold Step Toward                                             

Becoming UK Town of Culture 2028

 

 

Huntingdon is officially gearing up for an exciting cultural journey after Huntingdon Town Council voted last week (Thursday 19 February) to back a bold bid for the town to become the UK Town of Culture 2028. This endorsement marks the beginning of a vibrant, united collaboration between Huntingdon Town Council, BID Huntingdon First, and the Cromwell Museum. Together, the three partners will now work jointly to prepare and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) which is the first major step in the national application process.

Work will now begin behind the scenes to engage local arts and cultural organisations, creative practitioners, performance groups and community arts initiatives. This early collaboration will ensure that Huntingdon’s Expression of Interest is driven by the town’s artistic strengths, from music, theatre, visual arts and dance to grassroots creativity, and reflects the ambition to expand access to culture for everyone.

The UK Town of Culture programme aims to celebrate creativity, local identity, and heritage, spotlighting towns that bring people together and proudly tell their unique stories. Winning towns will deliver ambitious programmes showcasing arts, culture, and community pride, supported by significant investment and national attention. Expressions of Interest are open until 31 March 2026, with shortlisted towns receiving development funding to prepare full bids, and the ultimate winner securing £3 million to deliver a vibrant cultural programme in 2028.

 

Cllr Amanda Norton, Chair of the Estates Amenities and Communities Committee for Huntingdon Town Council said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be stepping forward with this bid. This is a huge opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Huntingdon special, our heritage, our creativity, and our amazing community. The energy behind this partnership is incredible, and we can’t wait to show the rest of the country what Huntingdon can do.”

 

Paul Sweeney, CEO for BID Huntingdon First said:

“We see enormous potential for the Town of Culture programme to bring fresh energy and opportunity into Huntingdon. A chance to celebrate the rich cultural activities that already exist on our doorsteps. Showcasing this not just across the UK but by opening doors locally to people who have perhaps not felt included, seen or believed they had access to the arts. Inspiring creativity in our community is a way to strengthen our town, learning from the past, working in the present and shaping it for the future.”

 

Stuart Orme, Curator for the Cromwell Museum said:

“The Cromwell Museum is rooted in Huntingdon’s cultural identity, and we’re excited to help shape a bid that looks to the town’s future as well as its past. With plans for our expansion underway, this is a perfect moment to work in partnership to celebrate our town’s heritage while embracing new possibilities for the whole community.”

 

As the Town of Culture Bid takes shape, the partnership’s focus will be on capturing the full breadth of Huntingdon’s cultural spirit, past, present, and future. This collaborative effort aims to create a bid that not only celebrates the town’s identity but also inspires fresh opportunities, creativity, and pride throughout the community.

BID Huntingdon takes one step closer to an independent cinema to boost local access to the arts and the night-time economy.

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Huntingdon takes one step closer to an independent cinema to boost local access to the arts and the night-time economy.


The Huntingdon Business Improvement District (BID) has appointed Mustard Studio in association with AOC Architecture Ltd to conduct a feasibility study to repurpose 12 All Saints Passage into a boutique community cinema.  This multi-purpose study, funded by UKSPF (via the CPCA), will assess the cultural and broader economic benefits of such a venue, assess market demand, and test business viability.

12 All Saints Passage has been closed since 2009, and BID, alongside Huntingdonshire District Council, have identified an independent cinema as a potential use for the building. 

 

Mustard Studio, which led the successful tender bid, was founded in 2020 and specialises in services for the cinema and film sectors, including feasibility studies for local councils, trustees, and private investors, with a focus on research, market demand, audience development, brand positioning( including operational concept and strategy), communications strategy, business modelling and financial analysis. 

 

AOC are an RIBA Chartered Practice of architects and designers who create buildings, places and experiences. Established in 2005, they have gained international recognition for their inventive inquiry, participatory practice and characterful designs. AOC has a distinct reputation for high-quality public buildings, cultural institutions, and community projects in politically and historically sensitive contexts. 

 

BID Huntingdon Town Manager, Paul Sweeney, commented, “I’m incredibly excited to be working on this feasibility study with Mustard Studio, which explores a truly trail-blazing and innovative concept for BIDs. A boutique community cinema on the high street has real potential to strengthen leisure provision, increase footfall, and support the long-term vitality and development of the town centre. It’s an exciting opportunity to re-imagine how our high street can serve residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

 

Mandy Kean, CEO of Mustard Studio, said, “We believe that local and independent cinemas are the glue that brings people together, develops community engagement and that anyone of any age can enjoy.  It is a genuine thrill to be at the start of this journey with Paul and the wider team, and we look forward to meeting with people and getting to know the town more”.

 

Tom Coward of AOC added, “We enjoy bringing buildings back into active use and are excited to be working with Huntingdon BID. There is huge potential, through sustainable refurbishment, to make a positive contribution to the high street and the night-time economy with the proposed boutique cinema with additional community uses ”. 

 

Mustard Studio invites the local community to participate in an online survey and share comments. To participate, please use this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Huntingdon84

 

The feasibility study will commence in January 2026, with the final report due in June 2026. 

Press Enquiries: Paul Sweeney – paul@bidhuntingdon.co.uk or Kate Gerova – kate@mustardstudio.co.uk

 

Editor’s Notes:

About BID

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined area where local businesses come together to invest in projects and services that improve the local trading environment. These initiatives are additional to those provided by local authorities and are funded by a small levy paid by eligible businesses within the BID boundary.

BIDs are designed to give businesses a collective voice and the ability to shape the future of their high street or commercial area. From improving the look and feel of the town centre to marketing campaigns, events and security, BIDs focus on initiatives that attract more shoppers, visitors, and ultimately investors creating a sense of place. 

BID Huntingdon acts as a true Town Team, where businesses and organisations collaborate to enhance the town centre experience and create a more vibrant, welcoming place to work, shop, and visit. Over time, this coordinated effort helps drive footfall, boost the local economy, and build a stronger sense of community pride.

About Mustard Studio

Mustard Studio was founded in 2020 and specialises in services for the cinema and film sectors. The founders’ background is in cinema operations and brand marketing. Working with expert associates, the company has conducted multiple cinema feasibility studies in association with local councils, trustees, or private investors. The company has developed a cohesive 360-degree approach, from the very early stages of research and market demand through financial viability and operational excellence to brand positioning and communications strategy. This approach is built on their understanding of how independent cinemas and circuits operate, combining financial and operational targets with audience development. It is firmly rooted in a venue’s long-term success. 

About AOC

AOC are an RIBA Chartered Practice of architects and designers who create buildings, places and experiences. Established in 2005, they have gained international recognition for their inventive inquiry, participatory practice and characterful designs. AOC have a distinct reputation for high-quality public buildings, cultural institutions and community projects located in politically and historically sensitive contexts. 

 

They work with their clients, collaborating with users and other experts, to develop new briefs for contemporary challenges. They engage with communities and their cultures to make designs that are useful, valuable and joyful. AOC use resources inventively to optimise the use of energy and minimise the emission of carbon, and deliver proposals that are particular to the forms, materials and myths of their place. AOC are Agents Of Change, and as such they work extensively supporting public institutions at a local and national level, often working in sensitive locations to transform building performance, public access, inclusion and the visitor experience. They are a diverse team of designers based in East London.

About Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC)

The District Council is a local government authority responsible for providing a range of services across the Huntingdonshire area.  Services provided include refuse, local planning and leisure facilities, housing support and wider community support, including market town regeneration, economic development and tourism. 

12 All Saints Passage is a property within HDC’s current Estates portfolio.  The Council is committed to bringing this property back into use, acknowledging the benefits that development can bring to the town.  This work supports and aligns with the Council’s Economic Growth Strategy work and Regeneration programme. 

Business News – All the NEW stores NOW OPEN in Huntingdon!

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NEW BUSINESSES

Exciting things have been happening in St Benedict’s Court! So far there has been a new Child-focussed Charity shop – the Toy Chest, run by Lianne Simpson MBE (Well Done Lianne!), a new night economy location, the ESE lounge a Jamaican style restaurant, a Skateboard shop – Scenic Skate and the new games arcade GAME ON.

Meanwhile at one end of the High Street we have a new hair salon Dream Hair at 63a and the Cosmetic Collective at the other end at no.24 with The Great Wall moving to larger premises nearby. Woof St, a dog grooming parlour, has opening down All Saints Passage and Sunloungers, a new travel agent is open in Chequers Court. Good Luck to one and all!

 

Universal Studios plans a new theme park near us, bringing major opportunities for the region

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Universal Studios has announced plans to build its first European theme park just over 25 miles from Huntingdon, on the former brickworks site at Kempston Hardwick in Bedfordshire. The development, which is now moving through the planning and engagement stages, represents one of the largest tourism investments the region has seen in decades. We are following progress closely and fully support the project.

A multi-billion-pound partnership with the government bringing the resort to the Bedfordshire area is an exciting and fantastic opportunity for our local economy. Early proposals include a world-class theme park featuring immersive themed lands, a 500-room hotel, and a wide range of dining and entertainment spaces. If the plans receive approval, construction could begin in 2026, with the resort expected to open in 2031.

The project is forecast to create around 28,000 jobs, including 20,000 during construction and approximately 8,000 permanent roles once the park opens. Universal has stated that it expects the vast majority of its workforce to come from surrounding communities, which means significant opportunities for local residents, apprentices, and suppliers. The scheme is also projected to deliver a substantial economic boost nationally and regionally.

The resort is expected to attract millions of visitors in its first year. As one of the closest towns to the proposed site, we are well-positioned to benefit from increased visitor footfall. This may include overnight stays, additional spending in local businesses, and greater visibility for our own attractions and events. Improved transport links form part of Universal’s proposals, including enhancements to rail capacity and local infrastructure, which would support both the resort and nearby communities.

We will be posting regular updates about the development, including timelines and engagement in the planning process. Universal is also inviting early expressions of interest from people who may wish to work at the resort or from businesses interested in potential supply-chain partnerships.

This is a major opportunity for Huntingdon and the region, and we look forward to the positive impact it could bring to our community.

Discover Huntingdon – Visitor Centre now open

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Huntingdon First are extremely proud to announce funding secured for the opening of Huntingdon’s first Visitors Centre – Discover Huntingdon.

Huntingdon First (BID) have worked closely with Huntingdonshire District Council to secure funding from the CPCA (Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority) to deliver and open Huntingdon’s first Visitors Centre as part of the Accelerated Towns Programme this summer.

The effects of Covid on our High Streets has been immeasurable, with businesses struggling to regain traction in the world, where marketing and promotions are key to sustaining businesses. Our Discover Huntingdon Visitors Centre aims to become the central focus of the High Street, giving the town a beating heart from which we can house our promotions. A place where locals and visitors alike can source visitor information on shops, services, local attractions, walks and events alongside historic and heritage literature, town maps, guides and promotional material. A central hub that celebrates and promotes all things Huntingdon. We hope that the new Visitors Centre will act not only as a central guide for shops and services but will also act to leverage our towns legacy into visitor engagement through promoting the town as a historic destination.

Work on the centre is due to start in the coming weeks which will be located within the entrance to 39 High Street (The Commemoration Hall) the venue being a charity run heritage building on the high street, which offers the Visitors Centre the best, most cost-effective opportunity to serve the town.

Offering a host of both digital and printed guides to Huntingdon and the surrounding areas to both our local community and visitors to the town. Alongside town guides, the centre will also stock a number of new Huntingdon based products such as bags, tea towels, placemats, aprons, pens, notebooks and more. Utilising designs already on display around the town from Huntingdon First, promoting Huntingdon and some of its incredible historic buildings and notable landmarks.

Paul Sweeney, Huntingdon First Town Manager said:

“We’re thrilled to have been awarded this funding through the CPCA and the Accelerated Towns Programme and are hugely grateful to Huntingdonshire District Council for their support. The idea of a Visitor Centre was an integral part of our renewal manifesto for the town centre in 2022 and as such we are really pleased to see the project coming to life. Footfall in the town is increasing and has started to match or surpass that of pre-pandemic times which is very encouraging”.

Cllr Sam Wakeford, Executive Member for Jobs, Economy, and Housing at Huntingdonshire District Council, said:

“We want to see our town centres thriving, so we are pleased to be able to support Huntingdon First with the new visitor centre. It will play a vital role in celebrating and promoting all that can be found in Huntingdon as we look to encourage as many local residents and visitors into the town as possible so they can enjoy the many different shops and services that Huntingdon has to offer.”

BID Huntingdon First would like to thank the Regeneration Programmes Team in Huntingdonshire District Council in supporting and partnering towards the project and to the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) in securing the funding.

Huntingdon First secure visitor centre funding

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Huntingdon First are extremely proud to announce funding secured for the opening of Huntingdon’s first Visitors Centre – Discover Huntingdon.

Huntingdon First (BID) have worked closely with Huntingdonshire District Council to secure funding from the CPCA (Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority) to deliver and open Huntingdon’s first Visitors Centre as part of the Accelerated Towns Programme this summer.

The effects of Covid on our High Streets has been immeasurable, with businesses struggling to regain traction in the world, where marketing and promotions are key to sustaining businesses. Our Discover Huntingdon Visitors Centre aims to become the central focus of the High Street, giving the town a beating heart from which we can house our promotions. A place where locals and visitors alike can source visitor information on shops, services, local attractions, walks and events alongside historic and heritage literature, town maps, guides and promotional material. A central hub that celebrates and promotes all things Huntingdon. We hope that the new Visitors Centre will act not only as a central guide for shops and services but will also act to leverage our towns legacy into visitor engagement through promoting the town as a historic destination.

Work on the centre is due to start in the coming weeks which will be located within the entrance to 39 High Street (The Commemoration Hall) the venue being a charity-run heritage building on the high street, which offers the Visitors Centre the best, most cost-effective opportunity to serve the town.

Offering a host of both digital and printed guides to Huntingdon and the surrounding areas to both our local community and visitors to the town. Alongside town guides, the centre will also stock a number of new Huntingdon based products such as bags, tea towels, placemats, aprons, pens, notebooks and more. Utilising designs already on display around the town from Huntingdon First, promoting Huntingdon and some of its incredible historic buildings and notable landmarks.

Paul Sweeney, Huntingdon First Town Manager said:

“We’re thrilled to have been awarded this funding through the CPCA and the Accelerated Towns Programme and are hugely grateful to Huntingdonshire District Council for their support. The idea of a Visitor Centre was an integral part of our renewal manifesto for the town centre in 2022 and as such we are really pleased to see the project coming to life. Footfall in the town is increasing and has started to match or surpass that of pre-pandemic times which is very encouraging”.

Cllr Sam Wakeford, Executive Member for Jobs, Economy, and Housing at Huntingdonshire District Council, said:

“We want to see our town centres thriving, so we are pleased to be able to support Huntingdon First with the new visitor centre. It will play a vital role in celebrating and promoting all that can be found in Huntingdon as we look to encourage as many local residents and visitors into the town as possible so they can enjoy the many different shops and services that Huntingdon has to offer.”

BID Huntingdon First would like to thank the Regeneration Programmes Team in Huntingdonshire District Council in supporting and partnering towards the project and to the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) in securing the funding.

Free community screening of the Eurovision final

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Huntingdon First and The Commemoration Hall Charity salute a resounding ‘Douze Points’ for the FREE Community Screening of the Eurovision Final.

Huntingdon First were extremely proud to host this weekend’s Eurovision Final Screening in partnership with The Commemoration Hall Charity.

The landmark screening, the first of its kind in Huntingdon Town Centre, took place in the Commemoration Hall; the venue being the heart of Arts and Entertainment in Huntingdon town centre. Renowned for being a community-based facility, BID were delighted to work in partnership for the screening to take place there. Mayor Dr Nik Johnson (Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority) was on site to open the event alongside drag host Mary Christmas and the newly appointed mayor of Huntingdon Town Councillor Phillip Pearce and his Lady Mayoress.

Throughout the evening, we saw audiences of around 200 people come through the doors to view parts of the Eurovision Extravaganza and taste some amazing Eurovision-flavoured cocktails! A dedicated set of over 100 stayed until the very end at 00:30 am to see Loreen be crowned not only as the 2023 winner for Sweden with ‘Tattoo’ but also the first female artist to win the contest twice!

Plans are already in place for 2024, which will again see the live-streamed screening held at The Commemoration Hall, coming live from Sweden in the year that marks Abba’s 50th anniversary of their 1974 win with ‘Waterloo’. We can’t wait!

Paul Sweeney, Huntingdon First Town Manager, said:

“What a night! The euphoria in the room was intoxicating, to see so many people gather to support the UK and our friends in Ukraine, and celebrate this year’s Eurovision Final. The room was bursting with pride as the UK hosted the event on behalf of Ukraine. Seeing the interval performance from past entrants with a mix of classic UK songs brought a huge cheer from the crowd; it felt like we were all present in Liverpool! We’re so incredibly proud of all the work that has gone into these screenings. Following the Coronation screenings last weekend, we’re so happy to have been a part of these landmark events in Huntingdon, once again showing the incredible community support in Huntingdon”

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson said:

“It was a real joy to open the Eurovision screening event at the Commemoration Hall in Huntingdon. Eurovision is such an iconic cultural event, made even more special by it being hosted in the UK on behalf of Ukraine, and it was entirely fitting that the Commemoration Hall, known for supporting the arts throughout its 180 year history, was screening the event for the local community. The organisers put in such a lot of hard work in hosting the event, and it was wonderful to see the community come together at this culturally important venue to enjoy an evening of international music. The Combined Authority was thrilled to be able to help fund this event via a grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)”

BID Huntingdon First would like to thank the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the UK Government for supporting and contributing to the funding of these screenings and to the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) for securing the funding.

Huntingdon’s first Dino Day breaks records

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July 9th will go down in history as Huntingdon’s First DINO DAY!

BID Huntingdon are hugely proud to report that Saturday, July 9 had the highest footfall in the recorded history of Huntingdon!

Record numbers of people attended the whole town event that saw T-Rexes, Raptors and Baby Dinosaurs rampaging through the town from the market square and down the High Street!

Families travelled from far and wide for the event, bringing new faces and, importantly new business to the town, allowing people to ‘Discover Huntingdon’ for the first time or for our fantastic local community to re-discover what our incredible town has to offer.

Dino Day encapsulated the entire town, seeing queues of people joining in the Dino Hunt sticker competition that included support from The Commemoration Hall, Bon Marche, West End DIY, Cash Converters, The Tattoo Den and Don’t Panic Pizza, who said, “We couldn’t have asked for a better day. The organising team deserves a medal for the hard work involved. The day was a huge success for visitors and businesses alike, with thousands of new faces and smiles all around. Broadcasting what our fabulous town has to offer, not just in terms of the event but the variety of small and large businesses our town hosts, is paramount to the success of high streets. The delivery of the day was perfect, covering all areas of the town, not just the market square. The town was bursting with happy faces, as it should be.” The Hunt finished at Cambs Lock, which included a Dino selfie station that had a very happy queue around the block waiting in line!

St Benedict’s Court showcased some great stalls from Patches and The Attic (Diamond Hampers Charity) that saw Dino-themed arts and craft events, alongside a balloon modeller and a fossil display and an interactive table to educate children. Shopmobility also had a charity stall in Princes Street Car Park, highlighting how accessible Huntingdon is and raising some much-needed funds for the charity.

Chequers Court saw BID Bear donning a caveman outfit for selfies and giving out over 2,000 presents to local children! The information booth from BID raised over £400 for The Commemoration Hall charity through a prize-every-time Dino game and an amazing cake made by Jo our Town Ranger! Down in front of Sainsbury’s car park saw MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) displaying artefacts from the A14 development. Generations Dance Academy flash mobbed the town throughout the day with an entertaining selection of Dino-Themed dances including “Everyone Walk the Dinosaur” to huge applause.

The Market Square was the ROAAARSOME Main Event, Raptors on the loose! Ranger Training and a giant T-Rex that almost had the Mayor David Landon Cole for lunch! Mayor Cole said “Dino Day is the busiest I’ve ever seen Huntingdon, and it was wonderful that so many people of all ages were in town, discovering Huntingdon for the first time, or discovering shops they didn’t know about before. Now more people know more about what Huntingdon has to offer, I hope that they’ll keep coming back to our amazing town. My thanks to all the BID team for this amazing day – RAWR!”

All Saints Church had a hugely popular Dino Dig where children of all ages could dust for Dino bones and discover what it’s like to be an archaeologist! And the Cromwell Museum even joined in the fun with some 17th-century games and activities!

Businesses throughout the town have spoken of a record number of customers and sales throughout the day! Paula Carr from Cambs Lock said:

“Our community really came out for dinosaur day. It was wonderful to see so many new faces. Many are finding the Cambs lock for the first time. We look forward to them re-visiting us and all of the other small businesses that are based in our town” Clarks’ Manager Sue Madle reports a 41% increase in custom on Saturday saying “It was a really good atmosphere, buzzing, we did really well all day with great feedback from customers” The Works Manager reports “What a brilliant day! Everyone was really happy and we sold out of our dinosaur balloons by 11.30 am!”

BID Town Manager Paul Sweeney said:

“What an absolutely amazing day! Far exceeded our wildest dreams in terms of the number of people involved. All enjoying our brilliant town! Smiling faces and a buzz of excitement all around really showcased what this town can deliver. I feel it’s the start of a new era here in Huntingdon and one I am very proud to be a part of”

 

Huntingdon Town Centre businesses vote ‘YES’

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Huntingdon Town Centre businesses have voted ‘YES’ in a ballot to renew the Business Improvement District (BID) for a further five years 2022 – 2027.

The results, released on Friday 16th September by Electoral Reform Services, showed 46% of Town Centre businesses voted with an overwhelming majority of 96% voting YES. This is the highest turn out of voters for BID Huntingdon since its inception in 2012 and the highest YES vote seen. Regulations state that for a BID to be successful a second trigger, ‘majority by rateable value ‘, is also required and this was achieved with 97% of those who voted.

Huntingdon First Manager, Paul Sweeney spoke with delight at the result and said:

“We’re so pleased with the result of the ballot, Mags Clark (Deputy Manager) and I having only recently taken over the roles of Town Manager and Deputy Town Manager following the retirement of Sue Wing and Jeannette Rowden in 2021. Building on the groundwork of those that came before us, we’re incredibly proud of the work that we, alongside our two Town Rangers Sharon and Jo, have achieved in the town in the short time we’ve been in post. There is a whole host of plans for the town moving forward, a keen focus on tourism, events, promotion and working closely with our partners at HBAC (Huntingdonshire Businesses Against Crime), Huntingdon Town Council, Huntingdonshire District Council and Cambridge County Council to collectively secure Huntingdon as the great place we know it to be to live, work and play”

Cllr Sam Wakeford, Executive Councillor for Regeneration and Growth, Economy, and Jobs, said:

“High Streets are a crucial part of our local economies and people care about them because they are also the centres of their community. We are delighted that Huntingdon First’s BID status has been confirmed for another five years and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them to promote the town centre and ensure there is a thriving town centre experience for people to enjoy.”

Philip Peacock, Town Clerk, Huntingdon Town Council, said of the favourable renewal of BID:

“Huntingdon Town Council are extremely pleased that the ballot has been return favourably, ensuring that BID Huntingdon and Huntingdon Town Council can continue to work in collaboration on exciting plans to promote Huntingdon over the next five years”

The BID Huntingdon Business Plan was developed through consultation with businesses in the BID area. Huntingdon First’s vision for the next five years will be:

  • Creating and Maintaining Quality Spaces
  • Creating and Promoting a Vibrant Place
  • Connecting and Representing Businesses
  • Improving Sustainability and the Environment

The town centre can expect to benefit financially with c. £1m being generated across five years. This will drive investment and give businesses a greater say in the way the town is marketed, maintained and managed.

Paul Sweeney continues:

“The heart of a town should have a purpose for everyone, it should be welcoming and encourage variety in people. It should be vibrant, offering new, innovative ideas to enhance and sustain businesses and communities for the future. We at Huntingdon First believe that our four key strategies for the next five years will support this”

For further details and to review our full plans for the town, event details, news and information as well as a directory of shops and services please visit our website www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk

For further information, contact BID Huntingdon Manager, Paul Sweeney, on 01480 450250 or email info@bidhuntingdon.co.uk