Watford Borough Council will be making improvements to the Whippendell Road Parade, a well-used shopping area in west Watford, from August 2024 to October 2024...
This initiative is part of the council’s programme of parades improvements, aiming to revitalise local business hubs and enhance public spaces across the town over the next seven years. Future locations proposed include Garston Parade, Kingswood Parade, Courtlands Drive Parade, The Brow, Tolpits Lane Parade, and Cassiobury Parade.
The enhancements to Whippendell Road Parade are also a part of the council’s commitment to support local businesses and ensure that all areas of the town can benefit. This project specifically targets the sections between Southsea Avenue and Burton Avenue, and between Durban Road West and Park Avenue.
Key improvements include:
- Improving the look and feel: there will be new high-quality concrete paving for durable, attractive walking surfaces and enhanced private business frontages where agreed. Greenery will also be added to enhance both the visual appeal and environmental quality.
- Improving accessibility and safety: this includes improving pedestrian crossings, strategically placing bollards to protect footpaths from vehicles, and maintaining road safety with reconstructed speed humps and repaired drainage channels.
- Transport improvements: will focus on installing special kerbs at the bus stop, for safe accessibility when boarding or stepping off the bus, and maintaining bike stands to encourage cycling.
Photocaption: Photos of Whippendell Road Parade, as well as Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, and Councillor Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability on the parade
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “As part of my manifesto commitment to invest in the regeneration of the town to support local businesses, improvements have already been made to areas such as the High Street, Market Street, Queens Road, St Albans Road and Clarendon Road. I am really pleased that we will now be making these improvements to this important and busy road.
“The parades programme aims to ensure that improvements like these benefit every part of Watford, and the Whippendell Road Parade enhancements will not only make the area more attractive and functional, but also support the local economy by making the area more inviting for residents and visitors.”
Councillor Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, said: “These upgrades to Whippendell Road Parade are a significant step towards fulfilling our commitment to creating sustainable and revitalised business areas in Watford.
“Working with local businesses and residents, we are confident that these improvements will not only enhance the look and feel of the parade, but also foster a more vibrant local area for residents to enjoy. It will also improve access for walking and cycling.”
The works are set to be completed by Murril Construction Ltd, an experienced contractor in public realm projects. Construction began in August 2024 and will be concluded by October 2024.
