UK residential developer McLaren Living has acquired Watford Police Station and Magistrates Court from the Police & Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire for a mixed-use development.
The Hertfordshire Constabulary will be vacating the 1.75 acre site on Clarendon Road in December 2023 and relocating to new premises on George Street in Watford, followed by decommissioning works which will be completed in the second quarter of 2024.
McLaren Living said it plans to submit proposals for a new mixed-use neighbourhood, comprising 300 build-to-rent homes and 30,000sqft of commercial space.
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, the police and crime commissioner for Hertfordshire, said: “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.”
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