The scheme includes new homes, new retail and office space and a new public square. Residents are being invited to give feedback on the plans for the public square and thereby help shape its development and the facilities provided. The square has a budget of £1.5m, funded by East Herts Council.
The public square is intended to be a high quality public space, which can be used for a range of events and activities such as markets, outdoor cinema and performances by local and touring groups. There is potential for a pavilion to sit in the public square, built on top of the Charringtons House site, reusing materials from its demolition.
The scheme, which will no longer see the demolition of Water Lane Hall after reconsideration of the development boundaries, will bring new housing, shops and jobs to Bishop’s Stortford, with the aim of regenerating that part of the town centre. It will complement the recently completed Castle Park regeneration project nearby.
Councillor Mione Goldspink, East Herts Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said:
“The Council has been thinking very hard about the plans for the Development of the Old River Lane site. Ever since the Council discovered that the funds for building a theatre on the site were insufficient, it has been considering other possibilities for the use of the “theatre space”. As a council, we now wish to share our ideas with all residents, and to ask for comments and suggestions.
“As the opening of BEAM in Hertford and the regeneration of Castle Park in Bishop’s Stortford (the latter being partly funded by East Herts Council) both demonstrate, we are committed to enhancing our district. I do hope that this new public square will be a further community asset, and one which will bring pleasure and benefit to the people of Bishop’s Stortford and to the wider area.”
Residents can offer their comments on the public square updated Old River Lane scheme by following this link to the East Herts Council website.
