Step Forward For Regeneration Of Hemel

30 May 2012, 06:00

Plans for Hemel Hempstead town centre's regeneration are moving forward as Full Council gave the go ahead to develop a joint regeneration scheme with fresh food specialist, Morrisons, and West Herts College.

The joint plans propose to bring to Hemel Hempstead town centre a new supermarket, college, housing and a community-focussed public service hub with a modern library at its heart.

The development being planned involves redeveloping the site of West Herts College's Dacorum campus site and the Civic Centre on Marlowes to create a state-of-the-art College and a modern Morrisons foodstore. This will allow the council to develop a new 'public service quarter' building, in the town centre, from which a range of public services can be provided, including a new, modern library.

Councillor Andrew Williams, Leader of the Council said: 

“Through working together I hope that this development project will provide a real boost for the town, and will encourage further investment and regeneration in Hemel Hempstead. In particular it will enable the Council and our partners to bring forward a new, energy efficient building in the town centre, where our communities can access many public services from one single point.”

Andrew Birtwistle, Development Executive at Morrisons, said: 

“This is another significant step towards delivering this important project. We look forward to continuing to work closely with West Herts College and Dacorum Borough Council as the plans progress.”

Gill Worgan, Principal of West Herts College said: 

“‘I am extremely excited about the benefits the new college campus could bring. It will be home to state-of-the-art facilities for every course we offer – something very special for the communities we serve. Courses will focus on the pressing need for people of all ages to develop modern skills to build careers and contribute to growth in the local economy.”

The proposed redevelopment and new public service quarter is just one aspect of the plans to regenerate Hemel Hempstead town centre. 

The 'Hemel Evolution' plan, agreed last November sets out how the council plan to improve the town centre from Hemel Hempstead Old Town through to the Plough (Magic) roundabout area.