Developer Lovell and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council are asking residents to help shape a major regeneration scheme for the redevelopment of the Hilltop local centre, South Hatfield, by attending the final public exhibition of the proposals.
The event is a chance to view and comment on the plans to transform the High View neighbourhood with around 150 new homes – including homes for sale and affordable homes – as well as brand-new replacement shops. A quarter of the proposed new homes will be affordable properties. The £45 million redevelopment will create attractively landscaped streets and public spaces, new play facilities and car parking.
Find out more by visiting the exhibition, from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, 10 November at St John’s Youth Centre, Bishop Rise, Hatfield AL10 9BZ and from 3pm to 7pm on Monday, 12 November at the Jim McDonald Centre, McDonald Court, High View, Hatfield AL10 8HR.
“This exciting development is set to create a new future for High View, delivering much-needed new high-quality homes and retail space,” says Stuart Gibbons, regional managing director for Lovell which will submit its planning application for the scheme later this year.
“The close involvement of the local community will be essential to the delivery of this major redevelopment, in partnership with the council. We would like as many people as possible to have their say on the proposals and provide us with valuable feedback that will inform our final planning submission.
“We very much hope that residents who have not already commented will take the opportunity to visit the final public exhibition of the plans and give us their views on the scheme.”
Councillor Bernard Sarson, executive member for Regeneration, comments: “High View is a key site in our ambitious regeneration plans for Hatfield, and we hope that by improving business spaces and building high quality new homes we can improve the neighbourhood and accessibility to other parts of Hatfield.
“It’s really important that we hear what local people think, so please come along to the public exhibition and have your say if you haven’t already.”
Pending planning approval, construction on the five-year redevelopment programme is expected to start in summer 2019. The development will carried out in stages to reduce the impact on High View’s shops, businesses and on the local community. As part of the redevelopment, access to the council-owned Jim McDonald community centre will be improved.
Alongside the physical regeneration of the area, Lovell, which has extensive experience in delivering complex housing-based regeneration programmes, will create job and training opportunities locally, including around eight apprenticeships and construction courses for residents. The company will also give a £50,000 community grant to the council.
For anyone unable to attend, the exhibition material and feedback form will be available to view online from 10 to 26 November 2018 at www.highviewconsultation.com You can also email your views to feedback@highviewconsultation.com or write to High View Public Consultation, c/o Vincent & Gorbing, Sterling Court, Norton Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2JY
