Background to Hatfield Town Centre Redevelopment

Hatfield Town Centre has experienced significant decline over the years and requires comprehensive redevelopment, investment in its infrastructure and a stronger retail offer if it is to maintain its role as the main centre for Hatfield.

Welwyn Hatfield Council has been working in partnership with the local community, retailers and other agencies to develop a strategy for the regeneration of Hatfield Town Centre East.  The overall vision for the regeneration of the Town Centre is the creation of a centre that is attractive, safe, accessible, clean and lively for those who shop, live, work, and relax there. The vision will build on the existing strengths of Hatfield and minimise, wherever possible, disruption to existing town centre occupiers presently located both in and outside the redevelopment area.

A planning brief to guide the redevelopment of Hatfield Town Centre East was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance to the District Plan in September 2002 following a period of public consultation on the draft planning brief. 

A copy of the approved brief can be downloaded here. The brief is a large document and has been split into two parts to make it easier to download.

Contents and Introduction
Remaining chapters

The development will comprise of:

The development concept concentrates on creating a vibrant ‘heart’ and focal point for Hatfield. The scheme will comprise of a new town square, bordered by retail, leisure, housing and community facilities, with a new pedestrian walkway to connect the development to a new bus interchange, the existing Asda store and car parking facilities.  Amenities such as car parking, improved transport facilities and public realm improvements will also be provided to benefit both residents and shoppers.  The development will comprise of:

• A minimum of 11,000 sq m (120,000 sq ft) (net) of retail floor space.
• Leisure facilities.
• An appropriate provision of small office facilities at first or second floor level.
• 275 new houses, including a proportion or keyworker and affordable housing.
• A new town centre square, which could accommodate a market.
• Indoor market facilities.
• A new bus interchange is proposed.  The preferred location is on the site of the existing Market Place.
• 569 space multi storey car park.
• It is expected that the proposals from the developer will include provision for relocation of the community facilities currently located within the town centre.
• A high quality of building design and landscaping.

It is intended that the development will be easily accessible by all forms of transport and well integrated into the surrounding area to reinforce the centre.  In addition to this, the scheme will be built to the highest standard of design and be well landscaped to ensure the longevity of the development.