A market square has opened alongside five shops as part of the next stage of a £218 million regeneration.

The first retailers have moved into phase 2 of South Oxhey Central, including Nisa and BetAnsells which are open for trading.

Aziz Barbers, M R K Heating & Plumbing Supplies and Esom Pharmacy will open before the end of the year and join 19 newly built shops at Station Approach, with a Lidl also on the way.

Raj Oulakh, Nisa local franchise owner, said: "After four years of planning and anticipation, I’m delighted to finally open my Nisa foodstore in Market Place.

"The building looks fantastic and I’m pleased I invested in a high-end shop fit-out to match the quality of the development.

"I’m looking forward to trading here for a number of years and serving the community. It’s great to see the area transform bit by bit and you can see how it’s all coming together."

Watford Observer:

Inside the new Nisa shop

Four of the five new retail units have been let to existing retailers and the other unit is a new venture by a local businessperson.

A total of 659 homes are being built with nearly 200 homes completed so far.

Developer Countryside says progress has been "swift" on 174 homes in the second phase of South Oxhey Central.

Watford Observer:

Station Approach by Carpenders Park station

Daniel King, managing director, partnerships west London and Thames Valley, Countryside, said: "We’re proud to continue our transformation of South Oxhey, as we open the next phase of retail units and welcome further residents to the development.

"A thriving retail scene plays a key role in our vision for South Oxhey Central, and so opening these new shops and the market square is of prime importance. With 20,000 sq ft of retail already open at Station Approach and a new Lidl supermarket to come in Phase 3, we aren’t just building homes but instead ensuring a successful and sustainable South Oxhey community."

Watford Observer:

South Oxhey Central

Mr King added: "Furthermore, while we make these changes we are committed to retaining the local character of the area, so we’re delighted to retain a number of existing retailers such as M R K Heating & Plumbing Supplies, who have now been trading in South Oxhey for 42 years."