25/01/2006 - Hatfield Town Centre Development Agreement launch

To show their commitment to delivering the Hatfield Town Centre regeneration project a joint agreement, the Development Agreement, has been signed by the three key partners Welwyn Hatfield Council, St Modwen Developments Ltd, the developer, and English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency.

Photographers are invited to attend the formal launch on Wednesday 25 January, at 3.30pm at the Council Offices, Welwyn Garden City.

The formal launch of the Development Agreement follows Wednesday's Welwyn Hatfield Council Planning Control Committee (18 January 2006), when planning permission subject to a Section 106 agreement was approved for the groundbreaking and much needed development.

Now the Development Agreement is in place all three partners have a comprehensive framework, which will enable them to work together to progress the redevelopment of the new shopping centre with 275 residential units

Councillor John Dean, Leader of Welwyn Hatfield Council said: "Entry into the Development Agreement will hopefully remove some of the scepticism by the public that the project will never happen. This Agreement shows our commitment that it will. A development of this nature does require a detailed structure to be in place. This Agreement clearly states what needs to be achieved over the next three years to make sure everything necessary happens to enable the development to commence."

The Development Agreement details the matters that are required to enable the development work to start. These include progressing with the acquisition of land within the development area (including the making of a compulsory purchase order) and marketing the site to ensure that interest from commercial and residential sectors is encouraged.

Anthony Glossop the Chairman of St Modwen Properties Ltd said: "We are pleased that the Local Authority has shown confidence in the scheme by both resolving to grant planning permission and entering into the development agreement.  Over a long period, we have worked closely with the Council to ensure that the scheme will be a real and viable one.   We have already acquired a number of properties in the Centre and can now move on to the next main step, which is progressing a compulsory purchase order."

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Richard Harrington, English Partnerships Area Director said: "English Partnerships has worked consistently over the last three years to unlock the potential of Hatfield Town Centre. Real benefits for local people will include new community facilities, shops and services and affordable homes. We have worked with partners to ensure that the development is of a very high standard and has a lasting impact."

The first step following the formal signing is to gain information to build up a picture of land ownership and a way forward for buying the properties within the development area. Residents and businesses can expect to receive a letter from the Council's solicitors shortly setting out details of the next steps and appropriate contact details. Formal requests for ownership information will follow.

Now that planning permission has been granted and the Development agreement due signed, it is estimated that construction of the main scheme will start in Spring 2007 with completion due in 2010.

All three partners will meet on a regular basis to ensure that their respective obligations are satisfied. Residents will receive updates on progress via the Council's website, newsletter and district magazine. A public meeting with affected businesses is also being arranged.