Watford Borough Council is eyeing a major town centre revamp geared towards being more cycle friendly - with the possible demolition of an iconic building.
Potential improvements between High Street, the London Overground station and atria Watford's lower entrance are being considered as part of a public consultation which launched today (July 24).
Key elements include tighter ring road junctions to reduce traffic speed and make pedestrian crossings safer, and The Pyramid site - currently Cotswold Outdoor shop - possibly being replaced with a new "sustainable transport hub".
There could then be more bus stops, segregated cycle lanes in both directions and extra bike hire facilities.
The area earmarked for improvement. (Image: Watford Borough Council) WBC said the distinctive building is fully glazed and will not meet future energy performance targets set by the new Labour government.
The site of the distinctive building could be redeveloped due to new energy performance targets. (Image: Watford Borough Council)
When asked if the transport hub proposals would see The Pyramid knocked down, a spokesperson for WBC said it was "reviewing the future of the building".
Watford Borough Council said arriving into the south end of the town centre is currently “confusing and not particularly pleasant” for pedestrians. (Image: Watford Borough Council) The proposals are aimed at changing the current ring road layout, which the borough council said made arriving at the south end of the high street “confusing and not particularly pleasant” for pedestrians and cyclists.
It added: “Given this is an important part of the town centre, it could be better designed, as well as more attractive and welcoming.”
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Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “We are committed to investing in our vibrant, accessible, and sustainable town centre, and want to hear what the local community thinks of the area around the lower part of the high street."
WBC has launched a public consultation over the possible improvements. (Image: Watford Borough Council)
The borough council hopes the changes would create a “more attractive and memorable gateway” to the town, as well as boosting trade and footfall for local businesses.
Residents can shared their view on the public consultation online at surveymonkey.com/r/watford-high-street from July 24 to August 8.
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