Question 1

What is the Town Hall Quarter Programme?

Accepted Answer

The Town Hall Quarter is an ambitious programme, which is transforming the historic Town Hall, Watford Colosseum and the surrounding area, bringing an exciting range of improvements right to the heart of Watford town centre.  By revitalising the area, we are creating an exciting and attractive destination for local people, business, visitors and the wider community.

The plans have a strong focus on enterprise and new business, recognising that Watford is a great location for entrepreneurs and growing businesses.To complete the transformation, the scheme will also deliver more appealing public spaces and much needed new homes, all within the new town centre destination.

Question 2

How will the programme be funded?

Accepted Answer

The cost of the programme is being met in a number of ways, including through government funding and support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It is also generating savings for the council with over £300,000 saved each year as we have significantly reduced the space we use in the Town Hall, opening it up for other purposes.

• The council was awarded £3.2million government funding to deliver the decarbonisation works to the Town Hall and Colosseum moving Watford towards its Climate Change objectives. 
 • The National Lottery Heritage Fund is supporting the development of the plans for the Museum of Watford and the council will continue to work with them to progress the plans to delivery
 • The council has been awarded £16million in Government funding from the The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The council is investing in the programme to rejuvenate the area and support Watford’s economy, which, in turn, bring prosperity and jobs to the town.

Question 3

Where is the Town Hall Quarter?

Accepted Answer

The Town Hall Quarter – which is largely under the Council’s ownership – sits at the north end of Watford High Street. It covers 3.5 hectares and includes a number of civic uses such as the Town Hall and council offices, Watford Colosseum, Watford Central Library, two NHS clinics and surface level car parking with around 360 spaces.

Question 4

What does the programme include?

Accepted Answer

The programme brings together eight interconnected projects that will be delivered over its lifetime.  These include:

• Securing the future of two of Watford’s well-loved historic building – the Town Hall and Watford Colosseum – being part of the wider programme allows the council more options for their future, with the aim to open up both buildings for wider community and business use.  This includes more entertainment, culture and live performances as well as business opportunities such as start up and networking space for new businesses
 • Relocating Watford’s Museum and Heritage Service, including a new home for the Museum, where it will showcase the town’s diverse a history in a way that everyone can access and brings it to life  
 • Creating a vibrant hub for culture in the area, including Watford Colosseum and Watford Library, supporting the town’s cultural, arts and entertainment ambitions, which helps our local economy thrive
 • Improving and connecting the top of the town centre from the underpass to West Herts College so that it delivers a unique offer for residents, businesses and visitors, encourages greater footfall and, overall, is able to match the success of the rest of the High Street 
 • Creating more attractive and welcoming spaces around the Town Hall with better pedestrian and cycle access and pathways
 • Building sustainability and greener ways of living, working and travelling, so that we have more environmentally friendly buildings and town
 • Ensuring the council is making the best use of our assets and achieving positive returns on our investments in line with its commitment to be more commercial and to reduce our costs

Question 5

How long is the programme?

Accepted Answer

The programme is expected to be completed by 2030/31.

Question 6

Who is delivering the programme?

Accepted Answer

The council is leading the delivery but will be forming some important partnerships to help achieve its ambitions. These include:

• National Lottery Heritage Fund – working with us on the new Museum and Heritage service
 • AEG Presents – to manage the refurbished and improved Watford Colosseum
 • Mace Developments – as our joint venture partner for the new neighbourhood project

We are also working with numerous other organisations in the design and development of the project as well as other landowners, leaseholders and those who have an interest into the transformation of the area.

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