Bellway's Waterside Watford hospital parking sees low uptake

At least 49 people in the Bellway Waterside at Riverwell development, part of the wider Riverwell development, in Thomas Sawyer Way, had complained about a lack of resident and visitor parking spaces.

Some claimed parking "frustration" apparently left motorists "out of options" and parking on pavements, nearby developments, construction car parks, or more than a 15-minute walk away.

Since the Watford Observer reported on the issue in January, Bellway London has now agreed a deal for residents to reserve 20 spaces at the multi-storey-carpark at Watford General Hospital which opened last year, for £1,100 per year.

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A spokesperson said: “We understand that residents who own cars were keen for more parking spaces to be available at Waterside at Riverwell.

“While we could not provide on-site parking due to the restrictions of our planning consent, we have worked to find a solution.”

The planning agreement for the 144 apartments limited the number of parking spaces to 56, to encourage the use of more sustainable forms of transport, Bellway explained.

Bellway London Waterside at Riverwell (Image: Bellway London)

There are 1,290 spaces at the WGH car park for the hospital’s use and 165 for residents of the wider Riverwell development.

The spokesperson added: “There are now 20 spaces at the nearby multi-storey car park which are available for our customers to secure with a 12-month rolling permit.

“So far only two residents have taken up the option to reserve a space in the car park.

“All residents have been made aware of the option.”

The Riverwell Development in January (Image: Sally Davies)

The Watford Observer spoke to a woman who is considering taking up one of the spaces about why uptake has been low.

“I think a lot of the younger people see it as a big outgoing,” she said, adding that some might be holding out for a cheaper alternative in future.

“People might not be able to afford it and it might not be the solution a lot of people are looking for,” she said.

The Waterside resident, who did not want to be named, added that many on the development had expected more buses to serve it.

The £1,100 cost is paid directly to the multi-storey car park's operators.