Watford health campus update from council chiefs

Hear from Dorothy Thornhill on the Campus

THE key partners behind the Watford Health Campus have reaffirmed their commitment to the project as its moves towards its next important phase, the appointment of developers.

With legal arrangements currently well under progression, both the town’s Elected Mayor and the Borough Council’s Managing Director have spoken to give an update as to the latest progress for the Campus.

"The Watford Health Campus remains a vital development for Watford Borough Council, the town and south west Hertfordshire,” said Elected Mayor Dorothy Thornhill.

"During these economically uncertain times, I know that all the project partners will adapt to the changing circumstances that we find ourselves in. We are determined to see the project through to its conclusion as it is crucial for the health and well being of every local resident, and I am confident that this will happen."

Alastair Robertson, Managing Director of the town’s Borough Council said: "Watford Borough Council is committed to the successful implementation of the health campus development.

“We are working closely with the other land owners, the West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust (WHHT) and the East of England Development Agency to progress the project.

“The Campus continues to explore innovative means of delivering the scheme including alternatives to the Private Finance Initiative. With the quality of healthcare facilities in west Hertfordshire meeting neither the hospital Trust’s nor the public’s expectation the Council will continue to ensure there is total commitment to the delivery of the Campus.

"Our ongoing discussions with large developers have been very positive, and it is encouraging that there is a high level of market interest despite the economic situation. We should have the necessary legal arrangements in place to be able to procure a contract with one or more developers by the end of the year.”

The Managing Director also had good news for Watford, regarding the Croxley Rail Link proposals, which would see the London Underground Metropolitan Line extended through the Health Campus site to link up with the town’s mainline rail services at Watford Junction.

“The Croxley Rail Link has made excellent progress towards final approval, with its acceptance into the firm programme for delivery by 2013. A Transport & Works Act order is anticipated during 2010, allowing a start on-site during 2011 with completion before 2013. This significant scheme will encourage and enable West Hertfordshire residents to use the rail network to access the hospital and on match days allow football fans from across the UK to do likewise”