Plans have been released which would see an "outdated" office building demolished and replaced with new offices and a 168-bed hotel.

Applicant Tellon Capital will shortly submit plans to redevelop Cassiobury House, opposite Watford Junction station.

Cassiobury House is a 1970s building in Station Road currently used as offices - many readers may know it as the place they went to take their driving theory test.

But James Burchell, partner at Tellon Capital, says Cassiobury House is "tired and outdated", and the plan is to create a "new, high quality" office space.

The proposals are for two buildings.

The first is an eight storey office building, dropping to four storeys in places, with almost 43,000 sq foot of space.

The second building would be a 168-bed hotel and restaurant, peaking at 13 storeys, but dropping down to seven storeys.

Watford Observer:

This is Cassiobury House now. Credit: Tellon Capital

Watford Observer:

A CGI of the redeveloped Cassiobury House looking from the junction of St Albans Road and Station Road. The taller building is the proposed hotel. Credit: Tellon Capital

Watford Observer:

This view is from Watford Junction. You can see what the office building would look like more clearly. Credit: Tellon Capital

Some car parking would be provided, including 70 spaces for the office and 19 for the hotel - this total of 89 is 29 less than what is currently there. There will also be 46 cycling spaces which is an increase of 34.

Tellon Capital believes the scheme's proximity to Watford Junction will mean many people who use the new buildings would travel via the station, for example hotel business trips.

Mr Burchell said: "Our proposals would see tired and outdated office accommodation replaced with new, high quality space of the type needed to attract new tenants to the area.

"There is an identified need for additional employment space in Watford, and it makes sense to deliver this on a site already allocated for employment use within the draft Local Plan.

"There is also a significant demand for hotel rooms in Watford, which our proposals would help to meet, whilst at the same time delivering new jobs and a boost to the local economy."

Watford Observer:

A public consultation website has been set up to allow the public to look at the plans in more detail and give any necessary feedback.

The consultation ends on May 29.

Visit https://tellonwatford.co.uk

Tellon Capital hopes to submit an application to Watford Borough Council next month, and if all goes well for them, construction could begin in late 2021 or early 2022.

There is already major development ongoing and earmarked in the area that Cassiobury House lies in.

The building is a stones throw away from the ongoing redevelopment of TJX's headquarters, while there are major plans for Watford Junction too, including a larger concourse and passenger bridge.

Watford Observer:

The new TJX headquarters opposite Watford Junction which is under construction