A contractor has been appointed to oversee the £100m redevelopment of Charter Place.

BAM Construction has landed the contract to become the main contractor of the intu Watford refurbishment project. 

Construction is due to begin next year with the new-look shopping centre expected to be open in time for Christmas 2017.

Rebecca Ryman, regional director of intu, said: "The redevelopment of intu Watford and the adjoining centre will transform the town into a major retail and leisure destination, considerably boosting its position in the UK retail rankings, placing it firmly in the top 20. 

"The work by BAM on the extension will be a key element in creating the right space in the right place to help retailers’ businesses flourish and provide a wider range of shops, restaurants and leisure offers."

Under the plans, Charter Place will be transformed into a two-level shopping centre with a third storey reserved for car-parking.

It will include a nine-screen Cineworld cinema, which will feature a 450-seat IMAX theatre, and a public square for street entertainment.

Watford Observer:

Charter Place now

Adam Harding, BAM construction director, said: "The plans for intu Watford are very exciting and BAM’s work on the extension section will create a townscape in keeping with the heritage of the area. 

"In the process, we will be bringing 500 construction jobs which will be more good news for the town. It's great to add to our strong track record in the town of Watford."