The construction firm that will build a £36 million regeneration project to create "much needed" homes has been named.

Watford Community Housing has appointed Mulalley and Co to build more than 100 homes in the Meriden estate in Watford.

The multi million pound project will bring 131 homes for affordable or social rent, a 50-bed extra care facility for elderly people, and two homes for shared ownership on land between The Gossamers and York Way.

The project will also see new green spaces, community facilities, and a shopping parade.

Work is expected to begin in the next couple of months.

Watford Community Housing says this announcement represents a "significant" step in the development after it was given the green light by Watford Borough Council in October 2015.

The plans had been met with protest by Meriden residents, because it meant a number of bungalows and garages would have to be demolished while there were also fears that the plans would lead to "increased traffic, over subscribed schools, and loss of green space".

The housing group says it will work with Mulalley, resident groups, and councillors to learn what is best for the area and these will be heard in a series of "meet and greet" sessions.

The scheme covers the area on York Way from the Abbey View high-rise block to the bungalows further along, and from Meriden Way, where it joins York Way, along to the Badger pub on the Gossamers. It will be split into two phases.

Phase one, predicted to conclude in spring 2020, will see the development of the retail block and the first of the new residences, including both bungalows and houses. Phase two focuses on the extra care facility, including a large hairdressing salon which will serve the whole community.

Gareth Lewis, group director of partnerships for Watford Community Housing, said: "We’re really pleased to be working with Mulalley on our project to revitalise the Meriden. This partnership will provide a significant number of much-needed new homes to families in Watford, as well as regenerating one of our core community areas.

"This is our most ambitious development to date and we believe it will bring wide-ranging benefits to the area, including significant improvements for existing residents."

John Moore, operations director for Mulalley, said: "We are looking forward to working closely with the local residents and Watford Community Housing to deliver this ambitious estate regeneration project.”