Registration of Hatfield Town Centre moves forward

The regeneration of Hatfield Town Centre is a step nearer following the submission by St Modwen Developments Ltd of a detailed planning application for a new retail centre, an indoor market hall, leisure and community facilities, a bus interchange and residential units.

St Modwen has been appointed to carry out the £55 million project on behalf of Welwyn Hatfield Council and English Partnerships, who are working together on the town’s regeneration.

The application follows a planning brief drawn up by the council and extensive public consultations which included 3,500 people visiting an exhibition on the proposed scheme last April. St Modwen evolved the scheme in close consultation witn the council’s planning officers and English Partnerships.

The proposals include 45 shops, cafes and restaurants, leisure and community facilities possibly incorporating a library, a new bus interchange, a 545-space multi-storey car park and 162 residential units. There is also a plan for an indoor market hall alongside the existing market square which will be revamped to accommodate an outdoor market.

St Modwen has also applied to build a Healthy Living Centre on the site of the former Forum Theatre. The building will provide state-of-the-art accommodation for Welwyn Hatfield Primary Care Trust, Hatfield Town Council and Welwyn Hatfield Council’s Area Housing Office.

Following the decision and the acquisition of buildings and land within the redevelopment area, it is possible that work to rebuild the town centre could start before the end of 2005.

For further information contact Nick Kay of St Modwen on 020 7499 5666. Issued by Paul Raymer of Howle Chapman Raymer (0121-236-7771).