McLaren Living has acquired Watford police station and magistrates court on Clarendon Road from the Police & Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire for an undisclosed price.
The constabulary is expected to vacate the site this month and relocate to new premises on George Street in Watford.
McLaren Living intends to submit proposals for a new mixed-use neighbourhood on the 1.75-acre site, comprising approximately 300 build-to-rent (BTR) homes and circa 30,000 sq ft of commercial space.
Following engagement with the local community and key stakeholders, McLaren Living hopes to submit a planning application to Watford Borough Council early next year.
Matthew Biddle, managing director at McLaren Living, said: “We’re really excited to have acquired such a great site, in the commercial heart of Watford, close to local amenities and with excellent connections to London. We’re looking forward to working with Watford Borough Council and the local community on our plans for Clarendon Road, to deliver a mixed-use neighbourhood, bringing forward much needed new homes for rent, along with high-quality commercial space.”
David Lloyd, from the Police & Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, added: “I am pleased to see this conditional sale has exchanged, and once completed will generate additional funding for the constabulary. The station on that site had reached the end of its economic life and it was no longer fit for purpose for the demands of officers and staff. Watford now has a new thoroughly modern police station in the town centre at 3 George Street.”
Lambert Smith Hampton and Walter Cooper acted for the Police & Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire.
