Planning approved for new M&S Food store and shopping hub at Wintringham

Planning permission has been granted for the northern zone of The Hub at Wintringham, paving the way for a major new shopping and leisure destination to serve the growing eastern expansion of St Neots.

Approved by Huntingdonshire District Council, the development will include a new M&S Food store, independent retail units, office and co-working space, a café or restaurant, and a public square designed to become the heart of the community.

The new M&S Food store will be around three times larger than the retailer's current local outlet, offering a full range of groceries and household products. More than 40 jobs are expected to be created, with recruitment due to begin in the coming months.

Paul Murfin, communications and partnerships manager at Urban&Civic, welcomed the decision, describing it as another important milestone in creating a vibrant and sustainable community at Wintringham. He said the development, alongside the David Lloyd health and wellness club due to open this autumn and planned health and community facilities in the Hub's central zone, would play a key role in supporting the continued growth of eastern St Neots.

Joanne Herd, regional manager at M&S, said the company was excited to move a step closer to delivering a flagship food store that would offer customers an improved shopping experience while supporting local employment.

The Hub has been designed to reflect the area's archaeological heritage, with buildings inspired by Iron Age roundhouses and landscaping incorporating circular stone seating and other historical references.

Sustainability has been placed at the centre of the scheme, with fully electric buildings, EV charging points, cycle parking, energy-efficient construction and enhanced green spaces to encourage walking, cycling and biodiversity.

Construction is expected to begin this summer, with the development due to be completed by September 2027 and open ahead of the Christmas trading period.