Watford Borough Council in partnership with Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Network Rail, West Midland Trains, Murrill Construction and DPQ have transformed the forecourt area of Watford Junction.
Published: 06 November 2020
What was once a disjointed, cluttered space is now a safe, pedestrian-friendly area, with more open, multifunctional space.
This latest in a series of improvement projects brings Watford Junction into the 21st century. It enhances the area outside of Watford Junction station, creating an attractive gateway to the town, which sees 8million people coming through its doors every year
One of the most noticeable additions is the large freestanding letters spelling out ‘WATFORD’. These are a great focal point for the concourse and encourage visitors’ photos and related social media posts to raise the town’s profile in a positive and highly visible way.
Photo credit : Simon Jacobs
New paving and lighting, lots of green planting, seating and visitor signposting along with the beginning of a heritage trail for visitors to follow are some of the additions that can be seen.
Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “It is great to see this work completed as we start the important work to improve Watford Junction and the surrounding area. 8 million people a year travel through Watford Junction station. The station forecourt is now a much more welcoming and interesting place and provide a lot better first impression for people coming to our town.”
The transformation of the station forecourt has been part-funded by Hertfordshire LEP as part of its wider £4.8m Local Growth Fund investment towards the regeneration of Clarendon Road.
Adam Wood, Head of Infrastructure & Regeneration at Hertfordshire LEP, said: “The revitalised Watford Junction forecourt, with its striking ‘WATFORD’ letters art installation and welcoming atmosphere, provides station users with a greatly improved experience, and visitors with a first impression that befits this vibrant town.
“We are delighted that our investment has supported the transformation of the forecourt and Watford’s commercial thoroughfare, Clarendon Road, to benefit the town’s visitors, residents and businesses.”
Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government Luke Hall said: “I am delighted that we have been able to support the regeneration of Watford Junction station as part of our wider £4.8m Local Growth Fund investment towards the transformation of Clarendon Road. The project has helped to level-up the gateway to the town, making it more attractive and accessible to residents and visitors alike.”
A new Beryl bike-share bay will also be installed at the front of the station from early November encouraging visitors to cycle into the town centre and commuters to use the bikes to get to onward destinations around the town.
Find out more about the project at www.watford.gov.uk/majorprojects.