We are pleased to announce that the Clarendon Road redevelopment project in Watford has the planning application submitted to Watford Borough Council.
As Project Managers and Quantity Surveyors from feasibility through planning application and beyond, Circle is proud to have played a key role in delivering this ambitious mixed-use development. McLaren Living, the developer behind the project, has now submitted their plans for this significant transformation of the former Watford Police Station and Magistrates Court site.
An accessible urban hub
The proposed development at Clarendon Road will regenerate a 1.75-acre brownfield site and create a dynamic urban quarter, contributing to Watford’s growth as a thriving regional hub. The scheme will feature 314 Build-to-Rent (BTR) homes, with a mix of market and affordable units designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality, rental homes in the area. These residential units will be complemented by a five-storey commercial office building and around 4,485 sqft of retail space, including a café facing the new public Garden Square. In addition to the housing and commercial elements, the development includes 6,000 sqft of children’s play space, creating a vibrant community for families, professionals, and visitors alike.
The development is set to provide a major boost to the local economy, with flexible employment space designed to attract businesses and provide valuable jobs in the area. The development is part of the Watford Gateway Strategic Development Area, identified in the borough’s Local Plan for mixed-use regeneration.
The development site is ideally located close to local amenities and is just 100 metres from Watford Junction Station, offering fast, frequent services into London Euston. The Clarendon Road scheme is well-positioned to offer an attractive, sustainable place to live and work, with the convenience of excellent transport links and a strong focus on community engagement.
The project will also contribute to the wider goals of the Watford Gateway Strategic Development Area and aligns with Watford’s Sustainability Strategy. A significant element of this sustainability approach is the reduction of embodied carbon, achieved through the repurposing of parts of the existing structure on site and the use of energy-efficient design measures.
What’s Next?
With the planning submission now in place, the project team eagerly awaits the decision from Watford Borough Council. The next phase will see the project progress to RIBA Stage 3 design, where detailed architectural plans will be developed, and preparations, tender, procurement, Gateway 2 Submission and construction will begin.
Circle has been proud to work alongside McLaren Living, PRP Architects, and Conisbee (Structural and Civil Engineers) to bring this project from concept to submission. We look forward to continuing our involvement as the development moves forward, helping to shape a sustainable, vibrant new destination in the heart of Watford.
Stay tuned for updates as the Clarendon Road project progresses.
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From Employer’s Agent to Quantity Surveying and Project Management, Circle offers a wide range of services designed to deliver value to your residential and mixed-use projects. These are just a few of the ways we ensure your project’s success. Get in touch today to learn more about our full suite of services.
