Plans to regenerate Watford Business Park approved

Watford Borough Council says it wants to turn Watford Business Park into a "modern, leading-edge home for business", beginning with its newly-approved 'Greenhill Works' scheme.

The council was granted permission last night by its planning committee to knock down several buildings in a section of the business park, and construct new industrial and commercial buildings in its place.

The £20m project includes the design of 7,100 square metres of commercial premises and parking, along with a new road into the site.

Five warehouses will be built, alongside four smaller buildings, which will be in modular form.

A cafe will also be created, with the council looking at enticing businesses from sectors like film, TV, life sciences, manufacturing and more, although the council says existing occupiers will be retained.

The current Watford Business Park car park in Greenhill Crescent will be built over with the new scheme providing a total of 111 parking spaces.

A look at what this section of the business park could look like once regenerated. Credit: Watford Borough Council

At a planning committee meeting on Wednesday evening, councillors unanimously gave the thumbs up to the scheme.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: "We are extremely excited to be launching Greenhill Works. Supporting our local businesses and creating the right environment for them to flourish is absolutely vital and a top priority for the council. Our local businesses are the lifeblood of our town, creating jobs and prosperity and keeping the town vibrant and successful.

"A key part of this is providing the right spaces and conditions for them to thrive and grow. To do this we have to offer high-quality spaces and places that people want to work in. Our aspiration for the redevelopment of this gateway zone at the entrance to the Park is that, as well as attracting new businesses to the area, it will act as a catalyst to regenerate the rest of Watford Business Park."

The leader of the Watford Labour group, and Holywell councillor Nigel Bell, welcomed the plans saying the investment on the business park was "much needed", adding he is "hopeful" it will attract new business to Watford.

An aerial view of this area of Watford. Outlined in red is the specific site to be redeveloped on Watford Business Park this year. Credit: Watford Borough Council

Some of the buildings proposed are modular so will be built off-site. Credit: Watford Borough Council

The council has secured £5m investment from the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to improve the Park and increase its employment capacity, with the potential to create an additional 180 jobs in the town.

Adam Wood, head of infrastructure & regeneration at the LEP said: "The regeneration of Watford Business Park will expand the area’s employment capacity and capitalise on the town’s excellent transport links, skilled workforce, and strong business base.

"We are delighted to support this scheme, which complements our wider programme of investment in Watford, including the regeneration of Clarendon Road, Trade City, Riverwell and Watford Junction station."

Artists impression of Greenhill Works. Credit: Watford Borough Council

Award-winning architecture, urban design and landscape architecture practice Studio Egret West has been appointed to create the design for the development.

Work on Greenhill Works is expected to start this year, starting with the demolition of existing buildings in March, with construction expected to get underway in October.