St Albans redevelopment opportunities announced19th July 2012

The brief for the redevelopment of a key St Albans city centre site was agreed at a St Albans City and District Council meeting on 11 July 2012.

Developers and investors are being invited to work in partnership with the Council to transform an unattractive and underused area in the heart of the city centre. The vision is to create a lively new quarter that adds real value to the city.

The Council has produced a development brief for the area to the east of St Peter’s Street and north of Victoria Street. The three hectare site currently includes council offices, car parking, the Alban Arena theatre complex, Hertfordshire House offices and the police station.

The brief sets out a vision and objectives for the area with detailed information on constraints and opportunities. It seeks to provide developers with flexibility, whilst providing certainty on key planning and development principles.

A range of uses are proposed, which include residential, commercial, retail and leisure. What is wanted is a vibrant new area, full of character, in the heart of the city. High quality design responding to the conservation area context is key, together with structural landscaping to connect into neighbouring green spaces.

The brief has been developed following extensive consultation with landowners, residents and amenity groups. The Council welcomes discussions with potential developers to facilitate early redevelopment of this site.

Councillor Teresa Heritage, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Conservation at the Council, said: “We are actively seeking to bring forward quality, new development that will add value to the city centre and help underpin its existing unique and rich offer. This site represents a once in a lifetime opportunity for the right type of developer.”