Ambitious proposals which promise a new lease of life for Hemel Hempstead town centre have moved a step closer.
Endurance Estates and RG Carter have already signed a development agreement with the local authority, and now two key milestones have been passed.
On 9th April, Dacorum Borough Council’s Development Control Committee gave its unanimous support to the residential aspect of the plans (pictured) which will deliver over 200 apartments in close proximity to the town centre.
Cambridge based Endurance Estates will now begin the search for a housebuilding partner for the £41 million scheme which is key to the wider regeneration of Hemel Hempstead.
Work is also poised to begin on the Forum, a 70,000 sq ft services hub centred around a new state-of-the-art library. The Forum will also accommodate Dacorum Borough Council, a registrar office, the police’s Safer Neighbourhood Team and space for local voluntary services.
This will be followed by a privately-funded commercial development which will improve Hemel’s leisure offering by bringing a 60,000 sq ft cinema and restaurant scheme to the town centre.
By coordinating this cross-sector collaboration to release land, encourage regeneration and bring services together, the Council is putting the government’s ‘One Public Estate’ initiative into practice for the benefit of Hemel Hempstead.
Tim Holmes, Director of Endurance Estates, said: “The Borough Council’s proactive approach in coordinating the scheme is acting as a significant catalyst to revitalise Hemel Hempstead’s town centre.
“As well as providing modern purpose-built facilities for a wide range of local services, we have a fantastic opportunity to create a new high quality residential community and I’m really looking forward to getting a housebuilding partner on board.”
Speaking on behalf of Dacorum Borough Council, Director of Housing and Regeneration, Mark Gaynor, said: “By extending relationships with public and voluntary sector colleagues and working in close partnership with private developers, we can offer local residents better services from a single, central location.
“By giving Hemel Hempstead town centre a new lease of life, we’re giving local businesses, investment companies and property owners the confidence to make their own contribution.”
Decorum Borough Council has been advised throughout the development process by property consultancy DTZ. Director Laura Stamboulieh commented: “This project is pioneering in its proactive approach to public sector land – achieved in partnership with the private sector.
“By co-locating and releasing land in this way, Dacorum’s public sector is improving services, achieving efficiencies and reducing running costs – while stimulating economic growth and creating new housing.
One third of the town centre apartments are classed as affordable. The £17 million Forum building is scheduled to open to the public by the start of 2017.
