The Watford Development Everyone is Talking About 11 Oct 2021
The Watford Development
Watford council is working through an ongoing redevelopment programme that’s set to continue over the next 10-15 years, and involve over £1.5 billion worth of investment. Its aims are to create new jobs, new homes, and improve services, transport, and leisure facilities. Alongside that, there are numerous new homes developments, one of those that everyone in Watford is currently talking about is ‘The Eight Gardens development’ being built by Berkeley Homes on the St Albans Road.
The Eight Gardens Development, St Albans Road
As part of Watford’s redevelopment plan, St Albans Road has already seen a number of significant improvements made, including the replacement of pavements to improve both aesthetics, and poor surface water drainage. The area was also given a much less cluttered appearance with the removal of redundant signage, street furniture, and guard railings, with much consideration put into new street furniture in order to address the problem of illegal on-pavement parking.
The Eight Gardens development is being built on the former site of The Range and TK Maxx on St Albans road.
Apartment Living in Watford
The apartments will be a selection of 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments situated within towers ranging from 7 to 27 storeys high. They will sit within two acres of public green space, and boast excellent residents facilities including a gym, screening room, and business lounge.
Transport links in Watford
The development is within a 2-minute walk of Watford Junction station, which has already started to undergo its own transformation as part of Watford Council’s redevelopment plans. The forecourt project has already been completed with new paving, new lighting, seating, and the beginning of a heritage trail through the town centre. Watford Junction itself is set for an update, with a new facade, shopping facilities, bus stops, and a new connection bridge.
The 8 million visitors a year who pass through the station will no longer be subject to such long queues at the ticket barriers either, with a new ticket hall in the works as well as a multi-story car park for station users. A brand new bus station is also in the works.
Being this close to the station means someone living in The Eight Gardens development could get from their front door to London Euston in a little over 20 minutes – perfect for those looking to work in London while gaining a bit of separation with a short commute.
Local benefits of the new development
It is thought that the development is going to create 1680 construction jobs for locals, including apprenticeship and training opportunities, as well as creating 140 permanent roles.
As part of the development, there is going to be a new primary school for 450 pupils, as well as a 52-place nursery.
Green spaces and the environment
With a focus on sustainability and long-lasting community benefits, the development will include commercial units designed and built to achieve a BKEEAM ‘very good’ rating, and materials will be sourced locally to reduce emissions caused by their transportation.
They will also be planting 286 new trees, creating 1366 bicycle spaces, and creating a children’s play space. There are no parking spaces in the development, but being so close to Watford Junction station and the planned new bus station will encourage the use of public transport.
It’s a really exciting time for the development of Watford, and we can’t wait to see more of The Eight Gardens’ development as their timeline for work progresses – it’s expected to be completed in 2030 and you can learn more about their vision for building a community HERE.
