A multimillion-pound scheme to regenerate a business park is now underway.
The Inspire project, at Watford Business Park, involves knocking down several buildings and building 14 modern industrial and commercial buildings in their place by autumn this year.
For £20 million it will bring 6,080 square metres, about half the size of Trafalgar Square, in commercial sites with associated parking, landscaping, and a new road.
The 30-hectare business park, across Greenhill Crescent, Caxton Way, and Faraday Close, has over 100 businesses employing more than 1,000 people.
Targeted small and medium businesses include sectors such as film, TV, life sciences, and manufacturing, with the aim being to create an additional 180 jobs in Watford.
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Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “A key part of our success is providing the right spaces and conditions for all kinds of businesses to thrive and grow.
“To do this we have to offer high-quality accommodation and places that people want to work in.”
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The £20 million funding for the project, carried out by project managers Stace LLP and construction company Faircloth, comes from Watford Borough Council and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Adam Wood, from the Hertfordshire LEP, said: “The volume of available business premises in Hertfordshire has been significantly depleted in recent years.
“In order to maintain Hertfordshire’s contribution to the national economy, the vitality of our towns and cities, and to provide local employment opportunities for residents, it is essential that we continue to offer high-quality spaces where our businesses can grow.”
The LEP invested £5 million from the Local Growth Fund, a government fund given to business-led LEPs, which then use their expertise to invest in projects such as the business park.
Studio Egret West created the design for the development. Founder Christophe Egret said: “Business parks should no longer be isolated industrial zones, and must instead be fully and seamlessly integrated into their urban fabric.
“At Watford Business Park, the green corridors, attractive buildings, and quality materials all point to a desirable destination that enhances its context for users as well as passing visitors.”
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