Help shape the next phase of improvements to St Albans Road

Following the success of the first phase of improvements to St Albans Road, Watford Borough Council is now looking to transform further sections of the key thoroughfare, from Balmoral Road towards Bushey Mill Lane, and wants local residents to help shape the plans.

In 2021, using feedback from residents, the first phase of the St Albans Road improvements from Brixton Road to Balmoral Road was completed and it helped improve the look and feel of the area. This was achieved by replacing the pavements, adding soft landscaping, creating a sustainable drainage system and installing new cycle stands.

New strategically placed street furniture also improved the surroundings whilst helping to stop illegal on-pavement parking, and small ‘squares’ of high quality public realm and community space on Hatfield Road, Victoria Road and Bruce Grove were created.

The next phase of work will concentrate on the stretch of St Albans Road from Balmoral Road towards Bushey Mill Lane. It will look to focus on the pavements and forecourts to improve the look and feel of the streetscape, with more green space, nicer materials and better street furniture, including cycle parking facilities. However, the council also wants to hear from residents and businesses about their aspirations for this specific area, by providing feedback via the St Albans Road consultation website.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said: “St Albans Road is a key route into and out of our town centre. It is used by thousands of people every day and is an important place for businesses, leisure and socialising. One of my key manifesto commitments was to improve this area and I am pleased we are continuing to deliver on this commitment. We must make sure that all of our town can benefit from investment and schemes like these are really important part of making Watford a better place.”

Councillor Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability said: “There’s so much potential here left to unlock for the local high street in St Albans Road. We have seen the success of street improvement projects in town, including the first phase of the improvements in this area, and this further investment will further improve our wonderful local High Street for residents, shoppers and businesses. The purpose of this website is to make sure we catch resident input early into the project and closely updated throughout the works - which we look forward to receiving.”

The council has developed a phased improvement plan for various locations which include St Albans Road, Clarendon Road, Market Street, Queens Road and the Town Centre, with the long-term ambition to create sustainable and vibrant local high streets to support the community and local businesses.

Businesses will be kept up-to-date as the work progresses, including regular engagement with them to work in co-operation with their needs. For more information and to sign up to the mailing list, please visit the St Albans Road consultation website.