Hertfordshire has always been at the forefront of planning for growth, having pioneered the first garden cities and first new town. Indeed, within the county we have already committed to building an additional 100,000 homes and generating 100,000 new jobs over the next 10 years, ensuring residents and businesses thrive. We are working with Homes England and other partners to deliver 24,000 new homes at Harlow Gilston Garden Town with 10,000 of those new homes at Gilston in Hertfordshire, together with a further 10,000 new homes as part of the Hemel Garden Communities proposal.
We were delighted to see Minister Matthew Pennycook and Sir Michael Lyons launch the New Towns Taskforce in Stevenage a few months ago and to welcome representatives of the Taskforce to discuss proposals for Hemel Garden Communities earlier this week.
Hertfordshire County Council is pleased to announce a landmark achievement in housing development, marking the highest number of new homes built in any year since 2001.
In the period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, councils across Hertfordshire delivered 5,387 new homes. This remarkable milestone underscores the County Council’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of residents.
One of the highlights of this achievement is the focus on affordability. An impressive 30% of the gross new homes are affordable, catering to a range of needs:
- 864 affordable rent units
- 389 shared equity units
- 376 social rent units
- 16 intermediate units
Housing by numbers
Equally noteworthy is Hertfordshire’s dedication to sustainable development, with 68% of these new homes constructed on brownfield land, showcasing the County’s commitment to regenerating underused areas and minimising impact on green spaces.
Looking ahead, the future of housing in Hertfordshire continues to thrive. There are currently 27,448 homes with planning permission set to be built in the coming years, ensuring that the momentum in housing growth is maintained. Large scale projects include Harlow Gilston Garden Town, Hemel Garden Communities, Growing Baldock town expansion and Brookfield in Cheshunt, and it’s these developments that will contribute to the county’s target to build 100,000 homes over the next decade.
In addition, Hertfordshire Property Partnership (HPP) has secured over £2.6 million in Brownfield Land Release Fund support from the government’s One Public Estate programme. These funds will be utilised across seven sites in the county, with two projects already completed and the remaining five expected to deliver approximately 662 homes. All of these projects are integral parts of the ongoing regeneration efforts in Hertfordshire.
Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council said: “This record-breaking year is a testament to our unwavering dedication to providing much-needed housing for our communities. We are not only building homes but also creating vibrant, sustainable, and affordable communities where residents can enjoy a high-quality of living in the place they call home. The support from the Brownfield Land Release Fund further propels our efforts in regenerating areas and ensuring a bright future for Hertfordshire.”
Sajida Bijle, Chief Executive of Hertsmere Borough Council and Chair of HPP said: “Securing over £2.6 million in BLRF funding represents a significant achievement for the Hertfordshire Property Partnership. This collaboration with district and borough councils is set to transform seven key sites across the county, with two projects already completed. The remaining four sites will deliver approximately 662 homes, contributing to the ongoing regeneration efforts within Hertfordshire. This funding is a testament to our collaborative working across Hertfordshire and beyond with a clear commitment to infrastructure as well as providing much needed housing solutions. This is particularly important in Hertfordshire, where land values are very high and affordability is well below the national average.”
To learn more about Sustainable Growth in Hertfordshire visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/weare
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) is set to receive £243,000 from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as part of the government’s £68m initiative to unlock brownfield sites for housing development. This funding will enable the Council to modernise Howlands House in Welwyn Garden City, used to provide temporary accommodation for local individuals and families who are homeless.
Howlands House provides temporary accommodation for local residents waiting to be assessed or given alternative housing due to homelessness but now, over 40 years after its construction, the site is in poor condition and the current design does not meet modern standards. Redeveloping this accommodation has been an aspiration for WHBC for some time, however, the viability of the scheme has been a challenge due to increasing building costs. The additional government funding allows the scheme to progress to the next stage and will aid the overall viability of the proposed redevelopment.
The site is due to be developed as part of WHBC’s Affordable Housing Programme and the additional £243K funding, secured by WHBC as part of the Hertfordshire Property Partnership (HPP) through HM Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2), will help to bring forward the project’s delivery date. The proposed new scheme will provide more welcoming temporary accommodation properties as well as a staff office, children’s play area, parking and associated landscaping.
HPP has worked with district and borough councils to successfully secure over £2.6 million in BLRF funding from government overall. The money will be used across seven sites in Hertfordshire with two already completed. The remaining five sites are expected to deliver approximately 662 homes and are all part of regeneration projects in the county.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the government’s commitment to a brownfield-first approach to housebuilding, stating, “This funding for councils will see disused sites and industrial wastelands transformed into thousands of new homes in places that people want to live and work.
“Our brownfield-first approach will not only ramp up housebuilding but also create more jobs, deliver much-needed infrastructure, and boost economic growth across the country.”
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook added, “The funding announced today will support the delivery of thousands of new homes and boost economic growth by unlocking development on scores of abandoned, disused, and neglected urban sites across the country.”
Cllr Max Holloway, Leader, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council said: “Supporting and preventing homelessness and the provision of affordable homes are priorities for WHBC. It’s great to receive this funding from the Government which will help us bring forward the delivery of a key project in our Affordable Housing Programme – and importantly provide for better temporary accommodation for local people in their time of need.
“Howlands House is an important development and this funding will mean that we are able to continue to provide security and respite for local families at times of huge distress and uncertainty.”
Sajida Bijle, Chief Executive, Hertsmere Borough Council and Chair of HPP said: “Securing over £2.6 million in BLRF funding represents a significant achievement for the Hertfordshire Property Partnership. This collaboration with district and borough councils is set to transform seven key sites across the county, with two projects already completed. The remaining four sites will deliver approximately 662 homes, contributing to the ongoing regeneration efforts within Hertfordshire. This funding is a testament to our collaborative working across Hertfordshire and beyond with a clear commitment to infrastructure as well as providing much needed housing solutions. This is particularly important in Hertfordshire, where land values are very high, and affordability is well below the national average.”
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board: “This injection of funds by the government, including £243,000 for Welwyn Hatfield, is fantastic news for Hertfordshire as a whole. It’s an investment in meeting the county’s housing needs, ensuring we have the infrastructure to support families and individuals in need, while revitalising a key area. This will only bolster the extent to which Hertfordshire contributes to the national growth mission.”
Angie Ridgwell, Chief Executive, Hertfordshire County Council said: “The modernisation of Howlands House marks a significant step forward in addressing our local housing needs. This funding will provide quality temporary accommodation and also support regeneration of the area for the community to enjoy.”
For the first time, Hertfordshire will be represented at Europe’s premier real estate and investment fair EXPO REAL this October as part of a wider UK delegation.
Invest Hertfordshire, the county’s new inward investment service, has been invited alongside UK Innovation Corridor (UKIC) to promote and attract investment into sites across the region at Europe’s largest trade fair.
As well as participants spanning the real estate and property sectors, the three-day event from 7-9 October attracts politicians, developers and investors keen to find out about wider trends and market opportunities.
Invest Hertfordshire will bring three key sites to market:
- Herts IQ and Hemel Garden Communities: The county’s enterprise zone is leading the development of 3 million sq. ft. of new commercial space into a zero carbon, digitally connected workplace, just 30 minutes outside London. Hemel Garden Communities is an ambitious development programme that will transform Hemel Hempstead and create attractive and sustainable new neighbourhoods and communities to the north and east of Hemel Hempstead, through the delivery of around 11,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs
by 2050. - Stevenage Town Centre: a major £1bn regeneration programme led by Stevenage Borough Council delivering a reinvigorated town centre with a mix of transport facilities, leisure, culture, retail and commercial spaces, and town centre living.
- The Assembly: Developer Reef Origin and investment bank UBS are delivering The Assembly, sitting in the heart of a growing life sciences industry and bringing commercial life science space, retail, restaurant and collaboration areas.
Invest Hertfordshire, managed by Hertfordshire Futures, formerly Hertfordshire LEP, was established in2023 to showcase the county’s key strengths, business clusters and opportunity sites, and act as a gateway for companies looking to relocate or expand. A dedicated inward investment team manages enquiries, tapping into expert sectorial knowledge and local intelligence and providing access to wider networks across education, business support, commercial agents and suppliers. With a new inward investment website, brand and support team, Hertfordshire is now strongly positioned to generate and manage investment queries, helping businesses to successfully land and succeed.
The service was officially launched at the UK’s Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds (21-23 May 2024). Over the past year, Hertfordshire is now listed in the top five UK locations for foreign direct investment jobs growth (2023/24). Its GVA of £46bn pa is on a par with UK city regions and is driving growth across several key sectors spanning film and TV, the built environment, advanced manufacturing and life sciences with a global recognised specialism in life-saving cell and gene therapies.
Melanie Miller, Investment Manager, Hertfordshire Futures said: “I am delighted that Invest Hertfordshire has been invited to join the UK delegation. This demonstrates the strength of our offer and enables the county to compete on an international platform, putting Hertfordshire on a par with other cities and regions across Europe. Opportunities such as this enable us to showcase our strategic advantage and ensure the benefits of economic growth are more fully realised.”
Adam Wood, Hertfordshire IQ manager, said: “EXPO REAL presents an exciting opportunity to bring our enterprise zone to an international audience. Located in the heart of the ‘Golden Research Triangle’ between Oxford, Cambridge and London, Herts IQ provides the optimum location outside London to connect tech, talent and research. The zone offers a raft of benefits for a growing business community and is ideal for organisations in agri-tech, sustainable construction and clean tech, of any size from start ups to SMEs and multi-nationals.”
To find out more about the opportunities available, visit:
Invest Hertfordshire
To find out more about Invest Hertfordshire and speak to the team, telephone: 01462 244 700 or
email: info@investhertfordshire.co.uk
The University of Hertfordshire’s new state-of-the-art, School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science – known as Spectra – opened to students and staff last week.
Bringing together the University’s physics, engineering and computer science departments, facilities, equipment and knowledge into one place for the first time, the £100m, five-storey building is the largest structure on the University’s College Lane campus following six years of building work.
Kitted out with some of the highest spec equipment available, new facilities include:
- Two dedicated physics laboratories.
- Two isolated cyber systems rooms that allow cyber security students to test themselves against cyber-attack.
- A £2m suite of wind tunnels.
- A strong floor to help test material strength.
- New robotics labs and a robot football pitch for developing and testing autonomous robot behaviour.
- Flight simulators that can land in any airport across the world have also been installed, alongside a welding bay and controls testing suite.
- Plus two Caterham lightweight sports cars and a Tesla for use in autonomous vehicle design.
Professor Daniel McCluskey, Dean of Spectra at the University of Hertfordshire, said:
“Spectra has been deliberately designed to provide students with an environment that mirrors the working environments in their future careers. This is to ensure we deliver on the University of Hertfordshire’s mission to provide the highest quality, career-focused education that hugely enhances career prospects and ensures our students graduate both work-ready and able to make an impact in real-world settings.”
The increased range of research, education and training made possible by Spectra will help address crucial skills gaps within the STEM sector – with 35% of UK firms reportedly having difficulties recruiting staff with skills in STEM. It will also advance the University’s capacity to partner with local, regional and national aerospace, engineering, bioscience and other STEM companies to support their needs, and together develop economically viable research and products.
The design of the building, which has been developed to ensure all research and teaching areas are visible throughout, is intended to ensure students and researchers are always aware of what each other are doing. Communal workshops on each floor will allow staff and students from different subjects to collaborate more efficiently together.
“We are confident that the cross-thinking encouraged by Spectra will lead to an increase in postgraduate research and raise the University’s international reputation,” added Professor McCluskey.
University of Hertfordshire’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Quintin McKellar, said:
“The core of Herts’ ethos is providing a career-focused education that meets real-world challenges. Spectra will not only bridge crucial skills gaps and generate growth, but it will produce students who are work ready, fit for the high-tech, net zero economy of the future and able to contribute to society in a positive way. This will not only benefit their own prospects and success, but also that of the wider nation’s growth, progress and development.
“Spectra will be an incredible, cutting-edge facility for our academics to progress groundbreaking research and to teach in fantastic facilities. It will also encourage businesses to come and research, develop and test their latest innovations.
“To see this incredible building come to fruition, and to be able to provide such an epic learning and training environment for the benefit of so many is truly a privilege. I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to get us to where we are today, and I can’t wait to see all the great work to come from our new home for Physics, Engineering and Computer Science.”
Herts has been ranked first for overall student positivity, for the second year running, among universities in the east of England.
The Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Planning Partnership (HIPP) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the government’s proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Representing the collective views of the district and borough councils and county council, HIPP is committed to ensuring that the proposed reforms support sustainable growth and development across Hertfordshire.
HIPP acknowledges the government’s commitment to delivering 370,000 homes annually. Hertfordshire has pledged to build an additional 100,000 homes and create 100,000 new jobs over the next decade. Collaborative efforts with Homes England and other partners are already underway to deliver significant projects such as the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town and Hemel Garden Communities, alongside other new settlements proposed through District and Borough Local Plans. These initiatives are supported by a Development Quality Charter aimed at promoting high-quality design and sustainability standards.
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board and HIPP said: “We welcome the opportunity to comment on the Government’s NPPF consultation and support a brownfield-first approach in sustainable locations. We advocate for the definition of a Grey Belt to prioritise the development of underperforming sites within the Green Belt. However, we must ensure that development occurs in sustainable locations, along with affordable housing to support the needs of our residents and communities.”
Cllr Stephen Boulton, Executive Member of Sustainable Economic Growth, Hertfordshire County Council said: “We support the proposed revisions to the NPPF to increase support for renewable energy schemes and to safeguard our environmental resources. A vital area of focus is the improvement of our water supply in providing safe water, and a robust sewage and drainage infrastructure for the benefit of residents and the overall environment.”
Councillor Jeremy Newmark, the Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, has welcomed the submission of a planning application for a new data centre in South Mimms, highlighting its potential to deliver significant economic growth.
The application also includes a proposal for a technology and innovation hub at the site of the former White Hart pub, with the building to be refurbished and then used to provide training and apprenticeship opportunities for local people.
Cllr Newmark, who is also Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, said: “This is incredibly exciting news. It shows that Hertsmere is an extremely desirable location for business and is a natural base for the cutting-edge technology and critical infrastructure which will serve Britain in the coming years and for many future generations.
“The project is aligned with the council’s vision. It will be a major boost for our economic development, creative and climate change strategies. The prospective economic benefits are clear. A scheme like this will deliver significant growth for the area. It will create many new jobs, both during and after construction, and new businesses.
“Of course, the application is subject to the normal planning process and will be thoroughly assessed. We will, as always, listen and speak to residents about the plans, and a public consultation on the proposals will be held. I am certain that local people will realise the benefits of the scheme. It has my full support.”
The University of Hertfordshire (UoH) is welcomed into the Hertfordshire Growth Board (HGB) following its election as a co-opted member. Professor Wendy Wills, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) will represent the university to better align the strategy and work of the university with HGB and delivery of the HGB’s Missions, as well as engagement with Government on good growth for the county and securing investment.
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Chair of HGB and Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council said: “I am thrilled to welcome Wendy and the University of Hertfordshire to the Hertfordshire Growth Board. Wendy’s expertise and a stronger partnership with the university, will be vital in the delivery of our Vision and Missions for the benefit of residents, businesses, and communities across Hertfordshire.”
Professor Wendy Wills said: “I am delighted that the University of Hertfordshire has been elected to the Hertfordshire Growth Board. As a modern, enterprising university many of our strategic aims align with the missions of the Growth Board. Having this opportunity to engage will be a catalyst for stronger, informed partnerships with the potential to support education and enterprise excellence”.
For more information on HGB’s work and its members, visit:
Hertfordshire Growth Board > About
Openreach has announced today that it is upgrading a further 20 towns and villages in Hertfordshire as part of its commercial investment in digital infrastructure across the UK.
Residents living in Berkhamsted, Much Hadham, Tring and 17 other local communities are next in line for Full Fibre and the roll out supports Hertfordshire County Council’s and the Hertfordshire Growth Board’s Digital Access For All mission that aims to ensure every Hertfordshire resident has access to best-in-class connectivity by 2050.
Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council and Chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board said:
“As our digital landscape continues to grow, both Hertfordshire County Council and the Hertfordshire Growth Board are thrilled to see Full Fibre rolled out to even more residents and businesses. We continue to work with Openreach and other telecoms companies throughout the county, ensuring everyone has access to the information and assistance they need. Together, we will empower our communities to thrive in an increasingly connected world.”
Kieran Wines, Openreach’s regional director for the East of England said:
“This is a huge infrastructure success story across the region. No company is building faster or further in Europe, that we’re aware of.
“We won’t be stopping either. We plan to build even further across the region, to more cities and towns, and our most rural communities.
“And our engineers, of which 3,000 live in the region, are doing this at a rapid pace – despite this being a hugely complex engineering project.
“Our fibre checker has the latest information about our work in your area, but only 27% of premises in Hertfordshire which can order a new ultrafast service have done so, as upgrades aren’t automatic. Once Full Fibre is available where you live, you’ll need to place an order with a provider of your choice to get connected and we’ll do the rest!
“Openreach’s network offers the widest choice of providers such as BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone and Zen – which means people have lots of choice and can get a great deal.”
Cllr Ben Crystal, Leader of East Herts District Council said:
“We are delighted to see this Full Fibre roll-out reach further into our district. Becoming better connected within and between our communities will improve the day-to-day lives of our residents, whilst also creating greater opportunities for local businesses to engage with innovative technologies and modern practises.”
Openreach has also refreshed its online map and postcode checker to give a clearer, regularly updated view of its plans and progress between now and 2026.
The map now shows the levels of current and future expected full fibre coverage as of today, taking data from all of its build programmes, whilst the postcode checker continues to offer the most personalised view of the connectivity available to an individual home or business.
Further updates will be provided as any additional locations are added in future.
The locations in Hertfordshire:
- Barkway
- Berkhamsted
- Much Hadham
- Puckeridge
- Stanstead Abbotts
- Tring
As the world marks the International Day of Forests on March 21, Hertfordshire stands proud as a testament to the integral relationship between nature and mental wellbeing. The county’s lush green spaces, from ancient woodlands to sprawling parks, not only harbour rich biodiversity but also serve as sanctuaries for mental wellness and advocates for active travel.
Hertfordshire’s forests, such as the Ashridge Estate, Heartwood Forest, and Cassiobury Park, are invaluable reservoirs of biodiversity. Hertfordshire’s diverse landscape boasts a myriad of green spaces, ranging from expansive woodlands to urban parks, each playing a vital role in supporting biodiversity. These green corridors serve as habitats for a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, preserving the county’s natural heritage and enhancing its ecological resilience. Through strategic planning and sustainable development, the Hertfordshire Growth Board is committed to safeguarding these green assets, ensuring their continued protection and enhancement for future generations to enjoy.
In addition to their ecological significance, Hertfordshire’s green spaces offer huge benefits for good mental health and wellbeing, providing residents with opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation amidst nature’s tranquillity. Research has shown that spending as little as 20 minutes a day in green environments can alleviate stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. As a Growth Board mission – Healthy and Safe Places for All – the Hertfordshire Growth Board understands the importance of incorporating green infrastructure into urban planning initiatives, creating vibrant and inclusive spaces that promote wellbeing and quality of life for all.
Furthermore, Hertfordshire’s green spaces serve as catalysts for active travel, encouraging residents and visitors to embrace sustainable modes of transportation while enjoying the county’s natural beauty. From scenic walking and cycling routes to green corridors connecting urban centres, these initiatives promote physical activity, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the overall health and vitality of our communities. By investing in active travel infrastructure and promoting environmentally conscious transportation options, the Hertfordshire Growth Board aims to create a more sustainable and resilient transportation network that meets the needs of both current and future generations.
Forogh Rahmani, Director of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, said: “As we mark the International Day of Forests, we celebrate Hertfordshire’s green spaces as invaluable assets that contribute to the health, prosperity, and wellbeing of our residents and communities. Through collaborative efforts and forward-thinking initiatives, we are committed to preserving and enhancing these green corridors, ensuring that Hertfordshire remains a vibrant and sustainable place to live, work, and thrive.”
To read more about Hertfordshire Growth Board’s Vision and Missions.
Vision and Missions
For enquiries contact Luke Fisher, Senior Campaigns Officer.
Email
