Watford’s popular and historic shopping destination Queens Road is to benefit from a range of streetscape improvements by Watford Borough Council, to improve the look and feel of the area...
The six-month project, which will focus on the area from the High Street through to the subway entrance that leads to Queens Road, will create an attractive, safe space at the heart of the town centre that will provide a better experience as a place to meet, relax and enjoy.
Works will begin early October and includes a comprehensive improvement scheme for this busy parade of shops, restaurants and other businesses. In mid-November, works will be temporarily stopped after the Christmas period, with plans to resume works in early January 2023.
The benefits will include new granite paving and realigning the street furniture to open up the space to improve the pedestrian experience. A trio of new planters will also be introduced, to add some greenery to the area together with new seating. Other improvements will include new cycle stands, repainting of the fixed bollards, as well as the existing lamp columns and repositioning the existing litter bins.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “The local town centre is such an important part of our community and the last few years have been extremely difficult for business owners. These works, which have been supported by local businesses, will make the area more attractive for residents and visitors and help boost local trade.
“One of my key manifesto commitments was to improve areas such as this. I want to make sure that all areas of our town can benefit from schemes like this in Queen’s Road and at smaller parades like Garston so that Watford remains a great place to live and work and visit.”
Councillor Aga Dychton, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Community, said: “The area will be enhanced to provide a sustainable and vibrant local high street to support the community and local businesses for years to come. It will provide a better Queens Road experience as a place to meet, relax and enjoy, by providing an attractive, safe space at the heart of the town centre.”
This scheme will bring the aesthetics within Queens Road up to the same standards as the major public realm scheme completed nearby within the town centre in 2019. The works are part of the council’s phased improvement plan for various locations across the town, including King Street, Market Street, St Albans Road, Clarendon Road, and the Town Centre. There will also be a programme of improvements for smaller parades across Watford.
Entry to the shops and through to Atria shopping centre will be maintained at all times. If you would like any more information, please email the Transport & Infrastructure team at TID@Watford.gov.uk.
