Lovell signs £45m regeneration deal

Lovell has signed a development agreement with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council to deliver a £45m regeneration programme which they say will transform the heart of South Hatfield in Hertfordshire. 

The High View neighbourhood centre, which dates from the 1950s, will be redeveloped with brand-new shops and homes, including affordable homes and properties for sale.

Pending planning approval, construction work is expected to start in summer 2019 on the first phase of the scheme.

The overall redevelopment of the local shopping centre and the nearby Hollyfield former garage site will provide in the region of 150 new homes for local people. The scheme will deliver a policy compliant affordable homes provision.

It will also create high-quality new replacement retail space. In addition, the redevelopment will provide better access to the council-owned Jim McDonald community centre.

The programme, which will be carried out in stages to minimise the impact on the centre’s shops and businesses and on the local community, is expected to take five years to complete. Lovell hopes to submit a planning application for the first phase of work towards the end of 2018.

‘A lot is already happening to make Hatfield a more attractive place for shoppers, residents and retailers, and it’s great to see this programme making progress which will help to improve the neighbourhood with brand new shops and housing, including affordable homes,’ said the council’s executive member for regeneration, Cllr Bernard Sarson.

‘This is a key site for the town’s regeneration plans, and I would encourage residents to get involved and come along to the exhibitions, and have their say to help shape the future of High View.’

Alongside the physical regeneration of the area, Lovell will create around eight apprenticeships and offer construction courses for residents.

It will also give a £50,000 community grant to the council.

Lovell’s regional managing director Richard Vining commented: ‘We’re extremely pleased to be moving forward with this important scheme which will deliver a significant programme of renewal for South Hatfield. Our team will continue to work in close partnership with the local community and with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council as we shape a fresh future for this key location, drawing on our team’s regeneration expertise to deliver much-needed homes and new retail space.’