Preparatory exploration work is being carried out ahead of the regeneration of a site right in the heart of St Albans. The Conservative-led St Albans City and District Council is working to transform a run-down area of land to the south of the Alban Arena.
This is part of the City Centre Opportunity Site South. It includes the former police station, a building previously owned by Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust and Hertfordshire House.
The Council has acquired all the land, apart from Hertfordshire House, as well as planning permission for a major mixed-use development. This will provide for commercial space at ground level and residential flats on the upper levels. Approximately a third of the flats will be affordable. Car parking will also be provided at a basement level.
This long-term project has required complex land negotiations, including the acquisition of Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust’s (HCT) Principal Health Centre building. The HCT has been running a number of services for children and adults at the centre. These services will be transferred to the Council-owned Civic Centre later this year, along with the Leg Ulcer Clinic and Podiatry Service, currently located at St Albans City Hospital. The Civic Centre provides a base for council services, the police and a number of community groups.