01/09/08 - Council set to approve budget growth for Hatfield improvements

Cabinet will be asked on Tuesday 9 September to approve an increase in funding available to implement interim improvements in Hatfield town centre.

The funding will be used to employ a dedicated Town Centre Manager, ensure that the Hatfield Farmers’ Market stays in the town and allow up to 10 CCTV cameras to be installed in the town centre.

Leader of the Council, Councillor John Dean said: “I promised residents in July that the council would implement improvements to the town centre within 3-6 months after the announcement that the regeneration had been delayed. 

“The council is determined to support the retailers of Hatfield town centre, and that is why proposals are in place to release additional funding.  The council is determined to see Hatfield town centre grow and become a pleasant and welcoming place for residents to shop.”  

The Hatfield Town Centre Officers Group has been working with and listening to suggestions from retailers, landlords and residents on how the town centre can be improved.  A set of improvements and priorities were then drawn up and the funding budget is now going to Cabinet for approval.

In total, more than £400,000 will now be spent on Improvements this year. Improvements include apart from the CCTV installation, new toilets, repairing damaged brickwork and paving slabs, installing children’s play equipment and agreeing to be more flexible with planning applications to encourage more businesses into the town.

The Hatfield Town Centre Forum will be meeting later this month to discuss further improvements to the town and ways to attract more shoppers to the centre.

If you would like to make suggestions for the town centre, please contact Nicola Kane on n.kane@welhat.gov.uk or call 01707 357565.