The council’s Cabinet will consider a proposal on 9 February to appoint Co-Space as its partner to develop and deliver a new Innovation and Incubation Hub...
This will be supported by £2 million of funding from Hertfordshire Futures and £8 million Government funding, within the newly refurbished Town Hall.
The proposal forms a key part of the wider Town Hall Quarter (THQ) transformation, where refurbishment works at the Town Hall are already well underway and full steam ahead. The historic Grade II listed landmark is being carefully restored and reimagined for modern community use.
Residents will enjoy a new museum celebrating the town’s identity, a community café and social spaces, improved customer services, and an Innovation and Incubation hub supporting and growing local business. Alongside the recently restored Colosseum and future investment in the area, the project will create a lively civic quarter, bringing together culture, community facilities, homes, businesses and improved public spaces.
If the partnership is approved, Co-Space would lead the delivery and operation of the Innovation and Incubation Hub, and the collaboration will add high-quality, flexible workspace in the heart of Watford. They would assist in creating modern offices, co-working spaces and meeting rooms, alongside provision of hands-on business support for start-ups and growing small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Hub will operate on a sustainable commercial model, helping to support the council’s long-term ambitions for innovation and economic growth. The experienced operator has a proven track record of delivering successful, contemporary workspaces across the region, including St Albans, Stevenage, Reading and Milton Keynes. Its focus is on creating design-led environments that help businesses grow, connect and thrive locally.
Photocaption: Collage of photos from Co-Spaces in St Albans and Stevenage
At the Watford Innovation and Incubation Hub, businesses will be able to access mentoring, training, funding advice and networking opportunities, with tailored support for early-stage businesses, supporting Watford’s growing creative and technology sectors, as well as other key sectors.
By supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, the Hub will help boost Watford’s economy, improve business survival rates and create new opportunities for local people. Bringing more workers and businesses into the town centre will also increase footfall and contribute to a stronger, more connected business community.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Watford is a thriving place, and the innovation hub will help us deliver our ambitions to ensure our town continues to grow and prosper. This dedicated space will help support local and regional businesses, unlocking economic growth and attracting further investment into Watford. This will create new jobs, open up more opportunities for local residents, and reinforce Watford’s position as a hub of enterprise and creativity.”
Alistair Thomas, CFO & Co-Founder at Co-Space said: “We’re pleased to be proposed as the council’s partner for the Innovation Hub. Our aim is to create flexible, high-quality workspace that genuinely helps businesses start, grow and succeed. Watford has real potential, and we look forward to supporting its next generation of entrepreneurs.”
Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of Hertfordshire Futures said: “Our £2 million investment towards Watford Innovation Hub is grounded in clear evidence of the town’s untapped potential. Watford has vibrant businesses but requires innovation infrastructure to attract funding and retain emerging talent. By bringing forward this new Hub, we’re addressing that gap, connecting business with regional innovation networks, and creating the conditions for high‑growth sectors to flourish locally.”
For more information, visit watfordtownhallquarter.com.
