Former Mothercare headquarters turned into 145 Watford homes

Watford Community Housing (WCH) has announced the acquisition of Yeatman Court, the former Mothercare base in Cherry Tree Road.

After a deal was completed last week, Watford Community Housing said it will complete any outstanding work and bring the homes to market in the next few months.

Yeatman Court (Image: Watford Community Housing)

There will be a mixture of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, 70 for shared ownership, 63 for affordable rent, and 12 for social rent.

The building was originally established in 1918 as Yeatman's Sweet Factory before being taken over by Mothercare.

Former Mothercare headquarters, Cherry Tree Road (Image: Google Maps)

In 2019, Watford Borough Council granted prior approval to turn the office building into housing and in 2020 Mothercare announced it would be vacating its headquarters.

Mothercare had sold the 100,000sq ft UK headquarters and adjacent warehouse on Cherry Tree Road to BYM Capital for £15 million earlier in 2019 and signed a ten-year lease under a sale-and-leaseback deal.

BYM converts offices to residential under permitted development rights.

• Police release images after great-grandfather died in crash
• The Grove Academy parking woes for neighbours in Watford
• Atria gets green light for potential new uses at John Lewis unit

WCH chief executive Tina Barnard said: “This building has been at the heart of Watford’s history for over 100 years, so we’re thrilled that these great new homes will be affordably priced, ensuring that the site continues to benefit the local community.

“Yeatman Court offers an array of beautiful one-and two-bedroom apartments that are both affordable and ideally situated.

Yeatman Court (Image: Watford Community Housing)

"It’s a truly unique marriage of old and new, combining this stunning art-deco façade with sustainable, modern amenities.”

WCH also highlighted the sustainability of the development, including solar panels, electric vehicle charging points, a communal garden, a car club, and a space for growing fruit and vegetables.

The Watford Observer has asked Watford community housing how much the building was bought for in the deal.

Yeatman Court interior (Image: Watford Community Housing)

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: "The council and Watford Community Housing are working together to deliver modern and affordable housing for local residents.

"I know how important it is that we do everything we can to make housing affordable and create strong communities.

“At the moment in Watford and many parts of the country it is really difficult for some families to afford rent or mortgages. As a priority, we aim to make quality, affordable housing for residents in the town, including those on low and middle incomes."