Plans for a new M&S Food, shops, offices/co-working space and a café/eatery set around a public square in the northern zone of The Hub at Wintringham, St Neots have been approved by Huntingdonshire District Council.
8 June 2026
The plans form part of the wider vision for The Hub at Wintringham, which will become the main centre for shops, services and leisure amenities, supporting the existing and planned growth of the eastern expansion of St Neots.
Smaller shops designed for independent retailers will sit alongside the brand-new M&S Food, creating a varied shopping experience for residents and visitors. The café/eatery is expected to provide a range of snacks and refreshments alongside a more extensive menu, helping to create a lively and welcoming social space at the heart of the development.
The designs for The Hub have been informed by Wintringham’s Design Code, shaped through engagement with residents and inspired by the archaeological discovery of an Iron Age settlement close to the site. The undulating rooflines of Iron Age roundhouses are reflected in the architecture of the three main buildings, creating a distinctive gateway to the development. References to archaeological finds are also woven throughout the public realm, including circular stone seating areas and landscape design inspired by the site’s heritage.
Sustainability and energy efficiency have been central to the design approach. The buildings will incorporate a fabric-first and passive design approach, with one of the blocks using a timber frame construction. The need for fossil fuels has been removed through the use of fully electric heating and hot water systems, alongside mechanical ventilation heat recovery units. Bicycle parking and electric vehicle charging points also support a shift towards more sustainable modes of transport.
Paul Murfin, Communications and Partnerships Manager for Wintringham master developer Urban&Civic, said: “We’re delighted that planning permission has been granted for these exciting new facilities; marking another significant milestone in delivering a vibrant and sustainable community at Wintringham.
“Alongside the David Lloyd health and wellness club that is due to open in the autumn, and the plans currently being developed for the Hub’s central zone that will include a health centre and community centre, these facilities will play a major role in supporting the continued growth of eastern St Neots.”
The brand-new fresh market-style M&S Food will be triple the size of M&S’ existing offer, offering a wide range of everyday essentials and household must-haves for local customers, including popular ranges such as Only X ingredients, Nutrient Dense and family-friendly Bigger Pack Better Value.
Joanne Herd, Regional Manager at M&S, added: “We’re excited to be one step closer to delivering a show-stopping store for our customers. From our new location, we’ll be able to offer the very best of M&S Food, whether doing your weekly shop or grabbing something on the go. We’re proud to work with over 60 Select Farms across Cambridgeshire and this new significant investment in the region will help to create more than 40 new local jobs – with recruitment starting in the coming months.”
The public realm has also been carefully designed to create an attractive evening environment through sensitive lighting that respects neighbouring homes and local wildlife.
Accessible green spaces and inclusive features for people of all ages and abilities are integrated throughout the scheme to encourage people to explore, socialise and feel connected. Informal play features such as boulders, stepping stones and interactive landscape elements will support family-friendly activity, while seating areas throughout the public square will provide opportunities to pause and enjoy the surroundings.
Planting across the Hub will enhance biodiversity and strengthen the continuous green links established throughout the wider development, supporting safe movement for both people and nature. These links will connect directly to pedestrian and cycle routes, encouraging sustainable travel and active lifestyles.
Work is due to start on the northern zone of The Hub at Wintringham in the summer, with the buildings constructed by September 2027, ready for a pre-Christmas opening.
