An annual health assessment of the UK’s largest towns and cities outside London, undertaken by property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), has revealed Watford as the UK’s best place to live and work based on a number of metrics that contribute to overall growth prospects.
The Hertfordshire town climbed from third position last year to top spot. Having only debuted in the top ten in 2022, Watford’s steady climb reflects a transformation in its relative standing among the UK’s largest town centres.
The LSH Vitality Index offers an objective health check on the UK’s largest 100 towns and cities outside of London based on a wide range of measures, with each location ranked against three key pillars: Economy & Business; Living; and Health & Environment.
Watford’s winning overall position is driven by its top ranked performance under the Economy & Business pillar, which includes top scores against four of the pillar’s seven metrics. Watford also performs well in other areas, securing tenth and eleventh position in the Health & Environment and Living pillars respectively.
Hemel Hempstead's #4 spot in the top ten list was supported by its strong performance against the Health and Environment pillar, for which it ranked second, achieving a top score for its quantity of green spaces.
Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford at Watford Borough Council and Hertfordshire LEP Board member, said: "I am proud that Watford has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to live and do business. Ensuring Watford remains vibrant, with something for everyone, has always been top of my agenda. Through careful planning we have seen the town continue to flourish.
“We have supported sound strategic investments and remain focussed on delivering improvements in our town, with initiatives such as expanding the Beryl bike scheme, plans to introduce an Electric Vehicle Car Club, and launching a new Shopper Bus service. Alongside this, we are enhancing our environment. Efforts include planting 20,000 trees, revitalising the River Colne, and continuing the Cassiobury Wetlands project.
“To support the local economy, we have been investing in improvements to Watford Business Park and Watford Colosseum. Plans to deliver an Innovation and Incubation Hub are also progressing well. Despite financial challenges, we have managed to ensure the quality of local services, from pristine parks to efficient waste and recycling services.
“We strive to support our communities and continuing to move forward with opportunities which will make a lasting difference to the people and businesses of Watford.”
Through careful planning we have seen the town continue to flourish. We strive to support our communities and move forward with opportunities which will make a lasting difference to the people and businesses of Watford.
Through careful planning we have seen the town continue to flourish. We strive to support our communities and move forward with opportunities which will make a lasting difference to the people and businesses of Watford.