Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is delighted to announce the opening of Hatfield One Town Centre, a landmark housing and commercial development that will transform the town centre and create a vibrant and attractive destination for residents and visitors.

The official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony took place on 6 September with the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Pankit Shah; Leader of the Council, Cllr Paul Zukowskyj; WHBC Chief Executive Ka Ng; Hertfordshire LEP's Head of Infrastructure & Regeneration, Adam Wood; as well as representatives Homes England and developers Lovell.

The One Town Centre redevelopment will provide 71 modern homes, including 38 socially rented flats, as well as new retail and leisure spaces. The new homes are designed to support the borough’s climate pledge by being built without gas and instead utilising low energy Nilan units providing heating and hot water. The development is being delivered by Lovell Partnership, a leading provider of partnership housing.

Hatfield One Town Centre is a key component of the council’s Hatfield Town Centre regeneration programme, which aims to breathe new life into the town and make it a thriving and attractive place for people to live, work and enjoy.

Regeneration work completed to date includes the stunning transformation of White Lion Square and the innovative design and construction of the award-winning Common Multi Storey Car Park - made possible with support from Hertfordshire LEP and Homes England.

Adam Wood, Head of Infrastructure & Regeneration at Hertfordshire LEP, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of One Town Centre, where our £6m Local Growth Fund investment has enabled land once used for surface level parking to be transformed with high quality housing and open community spaces. This scheme will not only benefit residents, but will add value to the town centre, increase footfall to local businesses, and significantly raise the overall economic potential of the area.”

Following the completion of One Town Centre, the council will continue to work with Lovell Partnership on the Link Drive project, which will see the construction of 80 contemporary apartments on the Link Drive Car Park site. The project is due to be completed in 2024.

Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Leader of the Council, said: “One Town Centre, Hatfield is a milestone achievement for our borough. It is a boost for our economy and culture and a testament to our commitment to sustainability and green innovation. It has high environmental standards, green spaces, and waste reduction. It is also well connected to public transport and cycling. I invite everyone to come and enjoy the new facilities and amenities.”

Cllr Jane Quinton, Executive Member, Planning, said: "We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of One Town Centre, Hatfield. This development will not only offer high-quality homes and amenities for our residents, but also boost the local economy and attract more visitors to our town. We are grateful to our partners at Hertfordshire LEP, Homes England, and Lovell Partnership for their support and collaboration on this project. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that Hatfield One Town Centre will have on our community.”

Mick Laws, Regional Managing Director, Lovell, said: “We are delighted to see this project now coming to a great conclusion and value our excellent working relationship with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council as we continue to construct sister project Link Drive.”