Watford Borough Council gives go-ahead to £1.6bn regeneration plans

When complete, the masterplan will see just under 3,000 dwellings, 807,000 sq ft of commercial space, 64,500 sq ft of retail, two primary schools and community facilities delivered.

The first phase of the development, covering 140,000 sq ft, is located on St Albans Road, and will be developed by GS8, the residential and commercial property developer. It will comprise a 146-unit, mixed-use development.

Nick Fenwick, deputy managing director of place shaping and corporate performance, Watford Borough Council, said: “This development marks the beginning of our Watford Junction Masterplan and will set the tone for future regeneration work. We are committed to transforming Watford into a place where current residents and future generations can call home and where local businesses thrive.”

Fenwick added: “The current site overall has a mixture of uses and land ownership and there is a firm commitment to regenerating and developing this area, including future improvements to the station. There will be some landmark buildings including several taller buildings over 20 storeys closer to the station.”

A quarter of the residential homes on the site will be available for affordable and social rent with a small element of shared ownership.

Work is scheduled to start on site by the end of 2018, with phase one expected to complete towards the end of 2020.