Watford’s tallest building could be turned into a “beautiful icon” under ambitious plans to refurbish Charter Place.

The drab YMCA tower, visible throughout the town, would be “re-skinned” and not demolished, it was claimed last night by Watford Borough Council’s official development partner.

London Regional, which was formally appointed by the council’s cabinet committee last night, will now work in partnership to design and build a new Charter Place – a process that will begin with a public consultation later in the year.

The new building, which has a planned completion date of 2014/15, is likely to include new shops, restaurants, a cinema, and new market hall.

Geoff Springer, the company’s UK development director, addressed councillors at Watford Town Hall as the deal was finalised. He stressed his company’s strong track record and answered questions from councillors.

Asked what would happen to the YMCA tower, a building he described as “unbelievably ugly”, Mr Springer said it would be refurbished rather than torn down.

He said: “What we would like to do is not to demolish it but to re-skin it so it becomes a beautiful, iconic building; so when you arrive on the train you don’t see this rather ugly building, but a building people see as the centre of the town,”

Asked whether a cinema should be included in the scheme, he replied: “We believe that a cinema is fundamental to the vibrancy of the town. We believe it is important for a family area and would lead to a greater footfall in the area.”

Mr Springer added that his company, which has a strong track record in completing major public projects across the country, would “leave Watford a better place.”

The Watford YMCA, which owns a 125-year lease, would have to approve any changes made to the building and will be involved closely in the consultation process.

YMCA director of operations Ruth Ellis added: “We have a lease and we have no plans to change our building”

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