The tallest buildings being built in Watford including 28-storey tower

The plans could see a former RBS bank demolished and replaced with 103 flats in a building rising to 22 floors.

The development, situated on the corner of Clarendon Road and the ring road, has been through a round of public consultation by applicants IDA London Holdings, ahead of a full planning application which is likely to be submitted to Watford Borough Council in the not too distant future.

A CGI of the proposed 22 storey tower on the corner of Clarendon Road and Watford Ring Road. Credit: IDA Holdings

There’s no doubt a building of this size will change the landscape of Watford, but it's just one of a number that have been put forward for Watford in recent years - and no doubt planned for the future as well.

The back of the former RBS bank

So how does a 22-storey building compare to what we already have in Watford, or what we know is on the way?

The town’s current tallest buildings

It's unlikely to win any architectural awards in this day and age, but the YMCA building in the town centre is certainly one of Watford’s landmark buildings, and it can be seen from a number of vantage points looking into Watford.

It is a huge concrete building that dominates Watford’s skyline but it’s actually only 12 storeys.

YMCA building. Credit: Stephen Danzig/Watford Observer Camera Club

The town’s current tallest buildings are the Meriden towers, which both stand at 17 storeys - but both of these are guaranteed to be eclipsed, and quite considerably.

The 17-storey Meriden blocks in the background of this photo taken towards Watford. Credit: Mark Crowley/Watford Observer Camera Club

The Range – 28, 22, and 20 storeys

In December 2019, controversial plans for Watford’s tallest ever building were passed by the council’s planning committee.

The development of 1,214 homes will sit on the current site of The Range and TK Maxx off St Albans Road near Watford Junction.

The Range, St Albans Road, Watford

The plans – dubbed by angry locals as Watford’s ‘Manhattan’ - also include a primary school and money towards health provision.

Eleven blocks will be built in total, ranging from eight storeys to an eye-watering 28 storeys. There will also be a 22-storey tower, along with a 20-storey block.

Major construction on the development is yet to begin.

A bird's eye CGI of the 1,214 development in St Albans Road. Credit: Berkeley Homes

Ascot Road – 24 storey

This is a large residential project that’s now well underway and the framework for a 24-storey block of flats is certainly in motion.

The plans for 485 were passed back in 2017 and the development in Ascot Road near Morrisons in west Watford will be absolutely dominated by a 24-storey tower.

At the time, it was the tallest building to ever be granted permission in Watford.

Construction of the 24-storey tower in Ascot Road in the west of the town. Credit: Stephen Danzig/Watford Observer Camera Club

37 Clarendon Road – 23 storey

In 2017, approval was given to redevelop Hannay House in Clarendon Road.

The plans will see a new offices created, alongside 154 flats, gym, and a café or restaurant.

The development is to be up to 23 floors high.

Hannay House remains intact for now and planning documents published earlier this year suggest this development is very much still going ahead, despite the lack of work so far.

Hannay House, Clarendon Road

Exchange Road – 21 storey

Exchange House on Exchange Road – more commonly referred to as Watford ring road – could be knocked down and replaced by flats in a building rising to 21 floors.

The plans were meant to be discussed a little earlier this year but were pulled by the applicant and will now be discussed at a later date.

The proposal is for 263 flats in a C-shaped building, with the 21 storeys most prominent at the junction of the ring road and Upton Road.

CGI of proposed Exchange House redevelopment (now rising up to 21 storeys from initial 18)

50 Clarendon Road – 17 storey

Approval has been granted to demolish the former TJX headquarters in Clarendon Road and build a 17-storey tower in its place.

TJX has moved down the road, building a brand new HQ which includes a footbridge that runs over Clarendon Road connecting two new buildings by Watford Junction.

The new bridge over Clarendon Road and the newly-built glass building (back left) of TJX's HQ

The plans for around 100 homes at 50 Clarendon Road were granted back in 2017 but to this day, the TJX building still remains standing.

TJX's former HQ at 50 Clarendon Road

Watford General Hospital – 17 storey

Last week, West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust submitted its plans to rebuild Watford General Hospital, with funding it is expecting to receive from the government.

The plans to build new hospital facilities on land next door to the current Vicarage Road site including creating three new buildings, the tallest of which would be up to 17 storeys.

The hospital trust has released this image which shows how the new hospital could be built in three blocks; the tallest rising to 17 storeys

The hospital development is alongside the construction of a new multi-storey car park, along with the Riverwell regeneration, which is seeing new blocks of flats built, as well as a retirement village.