A council is seeking people’s views on how to design Watford town centre for the future.

Watford Borough Council has launched a public engagement and is looking for residents and key groups to share their views and ideas which will be used to create a design guide for the town centre.

Mayor Peter Taylor opened a discussion meeting last week led by experts in urban planning with a range of town centre stakeholders including the police, Watford BID, Atria, property owners and elected members.

He said “Watford is no ordinary town. Latest statistics show we are one of the top 10 places in the country for retail bouncing back from the pandemic. Watford is already a very successful place, with regional, national and international reach; and we are seeing steady investment, despite the health and economic challenges of recent times.

Watford Observer: Mayor Peter Taylor Mayor Peter Taylor

“However, high streets and town centres must continue to change and adapt for a new future.  We want to have open and honest conversations about this with residents and stakeholders about how Watford town centre will change over the next 20 years”.

Over the coming weeks, a number of public meetings and events will take place with a range of groups and organisations in the town.

Watford Observer: Watford Town Centre (C) Dave ParkerWatford Town Centre (C) Dave Parker

The council is also working with West Herts College students to create an urban room in the town centre with an interactive exhibition space, where people can come together to discuss the future of the town centre and post their comments.

All residents are being encouraged to go online to the engagement platform Commonplace and express their views.

The engagement runs for 10 weeks until Friday 4 February.

Cllr Stephen Johnson, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Property and Housing said: “We need to think beyond single sectors, such as retail and office, and towards making the town centre a hub for a range of activities and uses, for residents and visitors alike.

"Please tell us what makes Watford town centre special for you and what would make it even better. Together we will lay the foundations for the flourishing Watford town centre of tomorrow!”