In this section
Project scope and milestones
The Town Hall, Colosseum and museum projects are being delivered in carefully planned stages. This approach helps protect Watford’s historic buildings, secure the right funding, manage complex works safely and make sure the finished spaces are high quality and sustainable for the long term.
Protecting important historic buildings
The Town Hall and Colosseum are Grade II listed buildings. This means work must be designed and approved carefully so their historic character is protected while they are updated for modern use.
Securing funding in stages
Funding for the project was secured in phases.
- Early on, priority was given to making the buildings more energy efficient, both to reduce carbon emissions and to cut long-term running costs.
- In 2021, the council secured £3.7 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. This funding had to be spent within a fixed timeframe and focused on major upgrades such as insulation, glazing and renewable energy.
- Completing this work created the right foundations – the “shell” – needed to move on to the wider refurbishment.
Completing the Colosseum
Further government funding to complete the Colosseum was awarded in 2023 and released in November 2024. As with many historic buildings, additional issues such as asbestos were identified and had to be dealt with safely before work could continue
Investment in Watford’s museum
At the same time, the museum project secured £2.45 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in October 2024. This was a major achievement and followed a detailed assessment process. The museum’s former home at Benskin House closed in 2023 to allow time to review collections and prepare new exhibitions for the new space.
Choosing the right partners
Alongside construction, time has been taken to appoint the right operators and partners. From the Colosseum to the museum, Innovation Hub and café, experienced organisations have been carefully selected to help ensure these spaces succeed and continue to benefit Watford for years to come.
