From eWatford Observer
9:07am Friday 1st February 2008



Massive plan for Watford Junction

A giant development plan could see more than 1,000 new homes, a hotel
and even an eye-catching tower built on industrial land close to
Watford Junction.

The land, which is behind the London Midland station and sandwiched
between the industrial estates on Imperial Way, Reeds Crescent and the
main railway tracks, currently houses a concrete batching plant.

However, Watford Borough Council has already earmarked the land for
development as part of the regeneration of the station and the
surrounding area.

Part of the council's planning brief is to transform the area into a
"green gateway" leading into Watford, with better links to the St
Albans Road shops and an improved rail interchange.

This week, the architects charged with developing the area promised a
"high quality design" and said the land could accommodate up to 1,400
flats and houses, as well as shops and offices, restaurants and a
hotel.

Another central feature of the development could include a "landmark
tower" and a new road, linking St Albans Road and Colonial Way. The
road would cross the tracks and then run through the Homebase and TK
Maxx shopping centre.

It is understood that part of all of that land is owned by banking
giants HSBC and the company is also involved in the planning process.

The concrete batching plant would be rehomed elsewhere in the town.

No formal plans have yet been made, however, and a public consultation
will be held next week to canvass public opinion.

Shopkeepers in St Albans Road have said they are hopeful any
development will boost trade there. Pamela Parmar, chairman of the St
Albans Road Traders Association, said: "It is going to be good for us
if it is going to merge in with the community that already exists.

"From a business point of view what we are worried about is what sort
of retail there will be in there and what size of retail there will
be."

She says the traders have been involved in the planning process over
the past years, however, until further details are revealed next week,
many remain largely in the dark.

Pamela added: "We are all unsure what it is going to do for us at the
moment. But next weekend will allow us to form a much stronger opinion
on all of that."

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FROM WATFORD OBSERVER

The planning consultation will be held at Watford Trade Unionist and
Labour Club on Woodford Road, Watford, next Friday from 2pm-6pm and
next Saturday from 11am-4pm.

Residents are free to attend and are invited to take part in
discussions, workshops and give their views on the development.

An illustrated masterplan for the site will then be presented to
residents on Tuesday February 26th at 7pm, at the Watford Trade
Unionist and Labour Club.

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John Burke

WATFORD RAIL USERS GROUP