Massive plan for Watford Junction (From Watford Observer)

Massive plan for Watford Junction

9:07am Friday 1st February 2008 in Search Module

A giant development plan could see more than 1,000 new homes, a hotel and even an eye-catching tower built on industrial land close to Watford Junction.

The land, which is behind the London Midland station and sandwiched between the industrial estates on Imperial Way, Reeds Crescent and the main railway tracks, currently houses a concrete batching plant.

However, Watford Borough Council has already earmarked the land for development as part of the regeneration of the station and the surrounding area.

Part of the council's planning brief is to transform the area into a "green gateway" leading into Watford, with better links to the St Albans Road shops and an improved rail interchange.

This week, the architects charged with developing the area promised a "high quality design" and said the land could accommodate up to 1,400 flats and houses, as well as shops and offices, restaurants and a hotel.

Another central feature of the development could include a "landmark tower" and a new road, linking St Albans Road and Colonial Way. The road would cross the tracks and then run through the Homebase and TK Maxx shopping centre.

It is understood that part of all of that land is owned by banking giants HSBC and the company is also involved in the planning process.

The concrete batching plant would be rehomed elsewhere in the town.

No formal plans have yet been made, however, and a public consultation will be held next week to canvass public opinion.

Shopkeepers in St Albans Road have said they are hopeful any development will boost trade there. Pamela Parmar, chairman of the St Albans Road Traders Association, said: "It is going to be good for us if it is going to merge in with the community that already exists.

"From a business point of view what we are worried about is what sort of retail there will be in there and what size of retail there will be."

She says the traders have been involved in the planning process over the past years, however, until further details are revealed next week, many remain largely in the dark.

Pamela added: "We are all unsure what it is going to do for us at the moment. But next weekend will allow us to form a much stronger opinion on all of that."