April 11, 2017
Sweeping plans to transform the centre of St Albans have been unveiled.
It is hoped redeveloping the old police station and NHS clinic in Bricket Road and Victoria Street will help to ease the city’s housing and office shortage.
Tony Williamson, director of Angle Property, the company leading the scheme, said: “Our plans for this brownfield site will deliver much-needed new homes, as well as new commercial space and a health centre.”
The planned site includes Hertfordshire House car park, the NHS health centre, and the old police station. These would be turned into 30,000 square feet of offices, 20,000 square feet of retail space, and 86 apartments.
Car parking and a public space has also been included in the plans.
Diane Brent of Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust said “The proposals brought forward by Angle are very good and well thought through.
“They will deliver on the aspirations of the council’s strategy, and the design charrette.
“We are especially pleased that Angle is able to accommodate a new, replacement community health centre for the people of St Albans.”
St Albans people were invited to contribute to the design process through a design “charrette” initiated last September, with the feedback received incorporated as part of the scheme.
The charette’s organiser, community group Look! St Albans, said it does not comment on specific planning applications, but would be inviting Mr Williamson and Angle Property to their AGM in June.
Mr Williamson said: “We have taken time to consult the local community before submitting our proposals, and are delighted that the local people are very supportive of the plans.
“We have had positive discussions on this with the police and NHS and very much hope that these can be brought to a successful conclusion.”
Angle Property bought Hertfordshire House in 2015 for around £4 million, before unveiling their original plans last April.
The area has been a target for redevelopment for the last 10 years, with the police station closing two years ago.
The plans were submitted to the council for approval last Friday.
Author: Fraser Whieldon, The Herts Advertiser
Link: http://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/major-changes-to-st-albans-civic-centre-put-forward-1-4970054