Former Royal Mail Depot, Watford

Firstplan was instructed to provide planning advice for a mixed-use regeneration scheme comprising a new local centre, comprising a two-form primary school (420 pupils), a nursery school (60 pupils), a large foodstore, public realm and highway works, following the acquisition of the former Royal Mail Depot, Ascot Road, Watford by Centros.

The site abuts the new Croxley Rail Link Station within Watford’s Western Gateway regeneration area. It was important that the proposals took advantage of the sustainable location associated with this new transport hub, with the prospect of bringing forward an integrated scheme capable of pump-priming the Western Gateway Area and assist in delivering the first stage of the wider regeneration of west Watford.

To this end, Firstplan provided strategic advice and played a lead role in negotiations with the Council. This involved the promotion of the site through the emerging local plan, attending the Watford Core Strategy Examination in Public, and participating in the public exhibition. Firstplan was also responsible for co-ordinating the preparation of a masterplan, preparing supporting planning statements, managing a wider team of specialist consultants, and submitting the planning application.