A new welcoming neighbourhood on Ascot Road
In October 2017, Orion Cassiobridge Limited (Orion) was granted planning permission for a new residential-led quarter, which will include 485 much-needed new homes along with attractive new businesses.
The application can be viewed online at watford.gov.uk/publicaccess. Search for application number 17/00048/FULM
Works have now commenced on site, in preparation for the new mixed-use development at Ascot Road.
If you have any further questions, please do contact Comm Comm UK on 0800 772 0475 or email info@ascotroad-watford.co.uk
We are passionate about Watford’s future and genuinely excited to be delivering a scheme that will transform the Cassiobridge area.
This is an opportunity for significant investment in the local community, which will trigger an economic boost for the local area and create a new residential quarter.
3.9 acres of underutilised land will be brought back into public use and over 700 new jobs created, a minimum of 60% of which will be for local
people. The investment in construction alone will be £90m - a tremendous boost to the local economy.
There is high demand for new homes in this area, particularly for high-quality apartments with good access to the London transport network. The Council set the parameters for the proposals by setting out its vision for a high-density scheme with a significant proportion, 35%, of affordable units.
The site
The demolition works to Phase 1 of the site have commenced with the removal of the remaining buildings and structures and the breaking-up of the concrete slabs and foundations.
Aerial view with site shown in red line boundary
The site is located on the northern end of Ascot Road by Cassiobridge and falls within Special Policy Area 6: Western Gateway, an area identified in Watford’s Core Strategy.
The site is a brownfield site at the northern end of Ascot Road. It is adjacent to the forthcoming Metropolitan Line station and bus interchange scheduled to open at Cassiobridge. It is close to Morrisons Supermarket and Ascot Road Community Free School, which have both recently opened.
Planned transport improvements and new local services mean this site is excellently-placed for residential development.
The site is unattractive, not in full use presenting a great opportunity to provide much-needed new homes as well as retail space.
The site is unusual in that there are few immediate neighbours. It is relatively self-contained and separated by the elevated railway tracks from existing homes to the north around The Gateway. Largely industrial in feel, the site is flanked to the north by the railway and bridge and to the west by a stretch of wasteland.
This brownfield site was previously home to the Post Office sorting office and is currently occupied by mostly empty, ageing warehouse buildings of poor quality.
The Proposals
The proposals are for a residential-led quarter. The scheme includes:
Our architects have undertaken a rigorous and robust process to determine the best design response to the site and the Council’s masterplan, exploring various options for the layout, massing and style of the buildings.
The majority of buildings proposed are between six and eight storeys, a scale similar to mansion blocks found around a traditional garden square. The tallest building has 23 residential storeys in addition to two lower floors of retail space.
Timeline
November 2016
Public Exhibitions
Summer 2017
Determination of Planning Application
Autumn 2017
Works Start On-Site, Subject to Planning
Autumn 2019
Completion
spring 2018
Demolition works start on-site
December 2016
Submission of Planning Application
winter 2018
Main development works start on-site
Community benefits
Consultation
Please click here to view the exhibition boards from the consultation events held on Wednesday 2 November and Saturday 5 November 2016.
For more information please contact Jessica Stewart at Comm Comm UK on 0800 772 0475.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
NEWSLETTERS
Spring 2018
Commencement of demolition to Phase 1
July 2018
Commencement of demolition to Phase 2
August 2018
Commencement of
de-contamination works to Phase 2
October 2018
Commencement of main development to Phase 2
demolition timeline
The team
ORION
Orion, a development and investment company, is leading the development process. Orion's projects focus on regenerating under-utilised land and buildings to become landmark destinations, enhancing the community infrastructure and appeal of a neighbourhood.
ESA Architecture Design
ESA is working on the design for the scheme. As a part of Capita, it is the UK’s seventh ‘AJ100’ architectural practice. It focuses on providing excellent design, which is sustainable, high quality and inclusive.
COMM COMM UK
Comm Comm UK has been appointed to lead communications with the local community and stakeholders. Comm Comm UK is a specialist planning, licensing and construction consultancy with expertise and experience of advising and implementing consultation and communications programmes.
JLL CONSULTING
JLL Consulting is a leading planning consultancy with experience working with developers, occupiers, land and property owners on all types of developments.
L&B Contractors
L&B Contractors Ltd is the demolition contractor. With over 30 years’ experience in this sector, it is highly accomplished in traditional demolition methods. It is increasingly tackling projects that require asbestos removal, emergency demolition and decommissioning services in both the public and private sectors.
TRANSFORM LAND
Transform Land is a specialist decontamination company currently undertaking the decontamination works to the site.
keep in touch
Please complete the form to register for updates.
For general enquiries please contact:
0800 772 0475
34-35 Berwick Street, London, W1F 8RP
© 2017 Comm Comm UK