A pop-up café has opened as the first residents begin moving into a new major development in Watford.

Independent coffee chain Crazy Goat will be serving a selection of sweet and savoury treats at Cortland Cassiobury in Ascot Road.

The development by American developer Cortland is 485 homes – all for rent – including a tower of 24 floors, named Acer Point, which is Watford’s tallest building to date.

Read more: Ascot Road homes are a build-to-rent development

Crazy Goat will be open until at least the end of 2022 and Cortland says the Hertfordshire-based chain marks the first step towards its commitment to boosting the local economy.

Crazy Goat Co was founded in 2013 serving premium coffee in London, before launching a second location in Croxley Green. It has since expanded to Chorleywood and three other areas.

Dan Capel, from Crazy Goat Co, said: “We are beyond excited to bring the very best Crazy Goat Co goodies to our new home and become a member of the Cortland Cassiobury community.

“We are relatively new to town, but cannot wait to build upon the success of our nearby locations to provide more folks with some of the best sustainable artisan coffee already enjoyed by many people in the Hertfordshire area.” 

Cortland’s managing director in development and investment, Owain Thomas, added: “Our focus is always on the community. Supporting local champions like Crazy Goat Co is an important part of that.

"We are excited to be working closely with Dan and his team and will continue to support local Hertfordshire businesses.”

Read more: Pictures from the top of 24-storey Ascot Road tower in Watford

Mr Thomas says the first phase of Cortland Cassiobury has been completed with the first residents recently moving into their new homes and enjoying some of the on-site facilities such as a cinema, club lounge, and fitness centre.

He added: “We are pleased with the momentum and enthusiasm in the lead-up to the opening of Cortland Cassiobury. In the last month our sales team observed an increase in leasing queries, and remain focused on working with new prospects who hope to make Cortland Cassiobury their home over the coming weeks.”

Watford Observer: Cortland's Ascot Road development could include around 800 homes altogether once complete. Shown is an image of how it could be laid out if phase 2 goes ahead and is approved.Image: CortlandCortland's Ascot Road development could include around 800 homes altogether once complete. Shown is an image of how it could be laid out if phase 2 goes ahead and is approved.Image: Cortland

The 24-storey tower is expected to be ready to move into in the spring.

Earlier this year, Cortland unveiled plans to build a further 311 homes in Ascot Road, in addition to the 485 already being built.

Read more: Plans unveiled for 311 more homes in Ascot Road in Watford

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