Construction has officially begun on the long-anticipated renovation of the Priory Centre in St Neots, part of a £15 million plan to revitalise the heart of Cambridgeshire’s largest market town.
Previously losing an estimated £300,000 annually, the community venue will undergo a “comprehensive refurbishment” aimed at turning it into a vibrant, multipurpose hub. Built in the 1980s on a former brewery site, the centre had been primarily used by local groups for events ranging from community meetings to weddings.
The project is being spearheaded by St Neots Town Council in partnership with Huntingdonshire District Council, and is funded by a coalition that includes the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Cambridgeshire County Council and National Highways. The plans will run alongside a wider regeneration of the town’s Market Square.
New features at the revamped centre will include a bar and café bistro, upgraded event spaces, and relocated town council offices. The name of the venue may also change as part of the rebranding effort. The expected reopening is set for early autumn 2026.
Accessibility is a key focus of the redesign, with campaigners celebrating the inclusion of a Changing Places facility, which will feature specialist equipment such as a hoist and changing bench.
As cranes roll in and scaffolding rises, the vision for a more inclusive and dynamic town centre is finally taking shape—bringing promise of a brighter, busier future for St Neots.
