A LONG awaited contract to redevelop the Churchgate area of Hitchin town centre was finally signed this afternoon. After eight years of negotiations and �1m in consultancy fees later, North Herts District Council today officially appointed Simons Develop

A LONG awaited contract to redevelop the Churchgate area of Hitchin town centre was finally signed this afternoon.

After eight years of negotiations and �1m in consultancy fees later, North Herts District Council today officially appointed Simons Developers to carry out the �multi-million work.

Leader of the council, F J Smith said: "We have spent a long time looking for the right developer to enhance Hitchin's historic market character while making sure the town will thrive in the 21st century. This represents a huge investment by NHDC and Simons.

"Standing still is not an option. Without the right investment this important town will become a backwater and stagnate. There will be widespread consultation about the scheme ahead of any formal planning application and everyone will be able to make their views known."

Details of the proposals, which have been kept secret during the tendering process, will be revealed on May 19 at a public exhibition at St Mary's Church.

The exhibition will run until May 22 during which time representatives from Simons and NHDC will be available to answer questions. It will then be relocated to Hitchin Library for two weeks.