Business opportunities
Watford Borough Council is committed to an ongoing redevelopment programme that is set to secure economic prosperity for decades. Over the next 10 to 15 years, more than £1.5 billion worth of investment will be leveraged by the council as part of an ambitious plan which will create thousands of new homes and jobs, with significantly improved services, transport infrastructure and leisure facilities.
By providing the strategic lead for Watford’s sustainable economic growth, the council is ensuring the borough remains a highly attractive proposition for residents and business alike. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused by works associated with these projects. The project teams meet regularly and are working together to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum, and that Watford remains open for business.
Town Hall Quarter – The 10-year program unites seven projects to revitalise the Town Hall surroundings, creating a lively neighbourhood with spaces for business and community enjoyment. It ensures the future of Watford's cherished landmarks—the Town Hall, Watford Colosseum, and the Museum. The council has implemented a number of measures to improve the energy efficiency of these heritage buildings.
Streetscape Improvements – There are ongoing and future projects to create more accessible, attractive, pedestrian-friendly streets and open spaces. Over the last few years we have undertaken Market Street, Queens Road, St Albans Road, Clarendon Road. Future projects, subject to detailed proposals and funding include improving the shopping parade areas on Whippendell Road.
Watford Business Park – Situated at the entrance into the 30 hectare business park on Greenhill Crescent, Caxton Way, and Faraday Close, this gateway redevelopment is set to help modernise the employment area. It will create 14 units of flexible commercial space with ample parking and landscaping, fostering growth across sectors like film, TV, life sciences, and manufacturing, potentially generating 180 new jobs in the town. The project has been made possible thanks to £5 million in funding from Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Watford Riverwell (2015 to 2035) – The council and Kier Property are collaborating on the Watford Riverwell masterplan to revitalise the area of 65 acres to create a vibrant community with jobs, amenities and more! This includes the successful delivery of a multi-storey car park for the hospital, road access improvements, new commercial developments and housing, and green spaces. This plan aligns with the goals of Watford Hospital's separate development efforts managed by the West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Watford Junction – The council is lobbying for improvements to Watford Junction one of the busiest stations in the country, which currently receives an impressive 8 million visitors annually. Our planning policies support the development of significant housing and business development around Watford Junction.
This project will see Watford Junction station and lands transformed by the council in partnership with private sector developers, Network Rail, London North Western Railways and Hertfordshire County Council. This will create an exciting and vibrant quarter around the station, with plans including a new station, new shopping facilities, residential and office development, new bus stops, better walking routes and a brand-new connecting bridge
In addition, there would be a second entrance to the station and a new ticket hall to banish long queues at the ticket barriers, and a new multi-storey car park for station users. In preparation of the work, Watford Junction rail lands has been adopted as a Strategic Development Area in the new Local Plan.
