Global economic downturn delays town centre

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council announced at a meeting with retailers last week (10 July) that due to the global economic downturn which is affecting the whole country, there would be a delay to the regeneration of Hatfield town centre.

Leader of the Council, Cllr John Dean said:  “The global economic uncertainties have caused retailers to delay opening new units; this, coupled with the deterioration of the housing market has caused a financial shortfall for the regeneration work.  The council is currently investigating all avenues to secure additional funding so we can resume with the scheme as soon as feasible in the current economic climate.” 

Funding from the Government has been highlighted as a possible means of contributing towards the project.  The borough has been designated as a growth area, which has allowed the council to bid for a grant to assist in the regeneration, and we are actively pursuing this avenue of funding.

As an interim measure, the council has set up a working group to manage short and medium term improvements in the town centre.  Members of this group attended the meeting and picked up several useful suggestions from retailers. 

CCTV was identified as one of the urgent requirements and the council has approved funding to install cameras in the town centre.  A survey is being carried out to identify the key locations for the CCTV cameras and it is expected these will be installed within six months.

Other initiatives being examined include working with the County Council to improve lighting in the town centre, encouraging short term lets, installing new toilet facilities, repairing and replacing benches and waste bins, working with private landlords to maintain vacant properties and the possibility of an increased police and street warden presence.

The council has also invited the retailers and traders in the town centre to join a new group, the ‘Hatfield Town Centre Forum’ which will be chaired by John Dean.  The group will discuss interim improvements to the centre and will regularly feed into the town centre working group and the council.

John Dean continued: “We are all committed to regenerating Hatfield town centre and creating a vibrant and dynamic shopping centre.  The council, St Modwens and English Partnerships are working together to ensure the people of Hatfield can enjoy an excellent and energetic town centre as soon as possible given the current economic downturn.”