Hatfield Town Centre Regeneration

Hatfield town centre was built in the 1950s and during the course of time has declined as a result of changing retailing patterns, competition from newer centres, such as The Galleria and The Howard Centre, and an ageing infrastructure.

To rectify these problems, English Partnerships and Welwyn Hatfield Council (WHC) are working together to bring forward plans for the redevelopment of Hatfield Town Centre East, as a cornerstone to the parties’ wider regeneration aims for the town.

The redevelopment area extends to some 3.3 ha (8.1 acres) and forms an integral part of the town centre. It currently provides a variety of retail units, a health centre, pedestrianised areas and car parks, limited amounts of landscaping in raised beds and a variety of flats above shops.
In 2003, WHC and English Partnerships appointed St Modwen as the preferred developer for the redevelopment of Hatfield Town Centre East. Since that time the partners have been working towards the delivery of a high quality comprehensive mixed-use scheme that meets the aspirations of the local community and key stakeholders.

The overall vision is to create a vibrant ‘heart’ and focus for Hatfield with a centre that is, attractive, safe, accessible, clean and lively for those who shop, live, work, reside and relax there. The plans include:

• New shops, in order to enhance the quality of retail provision
• A greater mix and diversity of uses in the town centre, such as cafes and restaurants
• New housing and community facilities
• Improved access for pedestrians and cyclists within the centre
• A new bus interchange, car parks and improved routes that connect the town centre to surrounding areas.