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Watford's Charter Place edges closer to redevelopment
Watford’s Charter Place is to be redeveloped with the help of the architect firm responsible for large projects such as the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, Cabot Circus in Bristol and the Bullring in Birmingham.
Architects and masterplanners from award-winning firm Benoy will work alongside Watford Borough Council, advising on potential layouts for a new shopping centre in order to maximise retail space.
A cinema complex, a major department store, restaurants and leisure amenities are all part of the council’s vision for Charter Place.
Councillor Iain Sharpe, cabinet member responsible for planning, said this was to be an improvement of the area, not a case of demolishing what is currently in place.
He said: “When we talk about the redevelopment of Charter Place, we don’t mean that we are going to knock it down and start again. It is more about reconfiguring the space within what structures we already have. It is likely that some of the existing structure will remain, such as the car park block with the YMCA above, whilst there will be areas of comprehensive new development.”
Benoy’s artist impression of the new Charter Place (pictured) depicts a far more modern development.
Dorothy Thornhill, Watford’s mayor, said: “Whilst we haven’t yet secured a development partner, there has been lots of interest in Charter Place. Feedback from developers is that Charter Place - and Watford - offers an excellent retail opportunity in the region, despite the current economic climate.”
A touch screen town centre information point will be fitted by the entrance to the Harlequin Centre, with details of local bus routes, access to the council’s website and other community information making Charter Place truly the ‘heart’ of Watford town centre, according to the council.
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