BID Huntingdon First are happy to announce the opening of Huntingdon’s very own DISCOVER HUNTINGDON VISITOR CENTRE, right on the High Street in the centre of town. For some time, Huntingdon has been without anywhere central for visitors to the town to find out what shops and services are on offer; where to go to find ladies shoes, toys & games or sportswear or a haircut or some takeaway food …. the list is endless! The Discover Huntingdon Visitor Centre received its official opening on Monday 20th November 2023 with Mayor Dr Nik Johnson and Town Centre Manager, Paul Sweeney on ribbon cutting duties.
Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson:
“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.”
Now based in the beautiful heritage building of the 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 we have been able to regenerate the area into an amazing Visitor’s Centre which will welcome visitors to and residents of Huntingdon alike.
Alongside the local information, maps guides and promotions the centre will also be selling Huntingdon merchandise! The Gift Shop is the revenue driver for the Visitors Centre and will support its sustainability for the future. The gifts range from candles and soaps to all of our branded Discover Huntingdon goodies such as bags, aprons, tea towels, coasters and placemats! We also have our specially designed Christmas in Huntingdon Bauble and Christmas Card!
Paul Sweeney, Huntingdon First Town Manager 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.”
Our High Streets are changing, they’re not the same as they were 20 years ago and likely won’t be the same in another 20. The Visitors Centre offers us the chance to promote our Shops and Services right at the heart of our town. This isn’t a Tourist Information Centre – the focus here is solely on our here and now businesses. Heritage and Tourism are of course a part of our town and will be present.
The Visitor Centre is only possible due a generous £50k grant fund from the CPCA (Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority) With huge thanks to the Market Town’s regeneration team in Huntingdonshire District Council for all of their support with the fund and its delivery.
Executive Councillor for Jobs, Economy and Housing, Cllr Sam Wakeford said:
“We are thrilled to see the grand opening of the new visitor centre in Huntingdon, a testament to our commitment to enhancing the town’s cultural and recreational offerings. The collaboration between the council, CPCA and Huntingdon BID has been instrumental in making this project a reality. This visitor centre, for which we helped secure funding, will serve as a focal point for the ongoing development of Huntingdon’s distinct character.”
We’re here to capture not just visitors but also the local community who are looking for information about our town, where to get certain items and access services! This centre is HUGELY important – make sure and spread the word to pop in and celebrate our AMAZING town! The new centre will be open 7 days a week from 10am – 2pm (3pm Saturdays).
Source: BID Huntingdon First press release 22nd November, 2023