The Project

The Watford Health Campus project is in response to the opportunity generated by the potential re-development of the Cardiff Road industrial estate, the need to regenerate this area of Watford and to support the re-provision of hospital facilities in Watford.

The vision for the Campus is that it will act as a catalyst to the regeneration of West Watford through provision of good quality homes, employment opportunities, improved urban environment and access to leisure facilities. To support the redevelopment of the hospital it is proposed to take the non acute services such as offices and logistics into the Campus both to reduce the costs of hospital facility re-provision and to support the development of the Campus.

Currently the site of the health campus is unappealing, with hospital buildings not supporting efficient working, car parking sprawling over a wide area, low value employment and instead of adding to the urban environment, in many ways existing facilities a detriment to the vitality of the area. Much of the surrounding residential area is blighted by traffic congestion and Watford General Hospital has traditionally been seen as an introspective series of buildings, facing in on itself and turning its back on the local community.

A strong partnership was established between NHS bodies, local authorities and WFC to come up with a comprehensive plan to regenerate the area – which culminated in the production of a master plan for the campus and planning permission. Significant engagement was made with residents and stakeholders and a wealth of information and surveys were undertaken.

WBC propose to establish a Local Asset Backed Vehicle jointly owned by WBC and the private sector to with partners the shaping and deliver the health campus. In turn the LABV/PSP will be a business partner to WHHT to offer non acute related facilities and services and wider support for its estate redevelopment.