Council And Firms Join Forces To Promote Town

9 November 2013, 06:00

Watford is to have its' own group to champion the town to people from outside the area - including trying to attract more businesses, more retailers and more shoppers.

The Watford Town Partnership will see the Council, shops and local firms all working together to push for a more successful town centre  - including trying to fill empty shops.

Jonathan Field, Managing Director of John Lewis in Watford says this gear-change is needed because the town still faces challenges to imrove the economy: "The Town Centre Partnership wants Watford to retain and grow a competitive advantage as a destination for businesses and visitors, and ultimately to thrive.

Although Watford ‘punches above its weight’ for the size of town it is, the Partnership will explore ways to improve the marketing of the town to increase footfall and investigate ways to decrease vacancy rates.

There is an opportunity for the town centre to maximise the benefits from current major investments taking place including The Parade improvements, the new Watford Market, Charter Place redevelopment with Intu and the rejuvenation of the High Street area by King Street.

As well as promotion, events and activities, the Partnership will look at how to encourage more families into the town centre. These are exciting times for the town centre and we want Watford to be a successful environment for business, residents and visitors."

The partnership – made up of business and community representatives – recently met for the first time and is now recruiting a Town Centre Manager.

Anyone involved with business in Watford town centre can join the partnership board or become a member - contact the economic development officer Cherie Norris at Watford Borough Council by email at: cherie.norris@watford.gov.uk or by calling: 01923 278029