Planning applications have been submitted for a £260 million regeneration scheme for west Watford that will create 1,600 construction jobs which will start this year.
Kier Project Investments is leading the planning on behalf of the Watford Health Campus Partnership, which includes the West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, that will provide new hospital facilities, around 650 houses and flats, 37,500 sq ft of offices, shops and restaurants, and a multi storey car park on the 29 hectare site.
The developers say the plans will transform a run down area of Watford into a vibrant new community with retail and business areas and public open space that will include riverside walks and a new community garden. The site is adjacent to the existing Watford Hospital.
Kier submitted a hybrid planning application, part outline and part detailed as well as a separate application for an allotment area that has been a local controversy. Much of the site is former industrial and contaminated land that will be restored as part of the project.
Planning approval has already been granted, in December last year, for a ‘blue light’ link between the proposed new hospital, adjacent to the existing Watford Hospital, and the M1. VolkerFitzpatrick will start work on the 18 month construction of the £7 million road later this year. If planning approval is granted site preparation and detailed design will start in the autumn and work could start on the business areas of the development next year.
Phil Woods of Kier Project Investment said: “The Watford Health Campus partners are delighted to have submitted the planning application. The masterplan vision reflects concepts and ideas received from stakeholders, the public and partners since the project was conceived over ten years ago.
“The project team has worked hard to meet the ambitions for the scheme by creating a first-class vision for the area. There has been considerable support shown for the Watford Health Campus for many years as stakeholders recognise its benefits for Watford in terms of new jobs, quality homes and better access to green, recreational space.”
