Bidwells were instructed to provide planning and agency advice on the regeneration of the Gade Zone.

What we did

• Provided input into the OJEU bid process.

• Otained full planning application for the construction of a 6,650 sq m public service quarter building within tight timescale– Phase 1.

• Secured outline planning application for complementary residential development for up to 207 apartments and an ancillary retail unit (375 sq m) – Phase 2.

• Obtained the highway stopping up order to facilitate the optimum development.

• Initial work on preparing a full planning application for a leisure complex on the former market square to include a cinema and restaurants – Phase 3.

Result

• Planning permission was obtained and work commenced on the multi-purpose building, now branded ‘The Forum’.

• Successful negotiation secured outline planning permission for a complementary residential development on the balance of the site to create an attractive, vibrant hub.

• The schemes are important elements of Dacorum Borough Council’s wider £30m Hemel Evolution regeneration programme to transform Hemel Hempstead town centre.