DBC (AL) Development Feasibility Study for Civic Centre Site, Hemel Hempstead

Purpose of Study To evaluate development potential and financial receipt options for delivering new town centre based uses whilst realising best consideration to the Council. Specifically to set out options for the delivery of new housing in relation to the adjacent Gade Zone site and for the provision of new accommodation for Herts Police including parking arrangements.

Background information Dacorum Borough Council has ambitious plans for the regeneration of Hemel Hempstead Town Centre, which are already well underway. Based on our 2013 Hemel Hempstead Town Centre Masterplan, we are planning for development and change within seven defined character zones. We have already carried out a £4m public realm improvement project in the main shopping area, are finishing work on a £2.5m bus interchange, and have ongoing construction works on site and also the transformation of the iconic Jellicoe Water Gardens through a Heritage Lottery Fund/BIG funded restoration scheme valued at some £4m. A main area for change in the Town centre is the Gade Zone – which is found to the north of the main retail area to the Marlowes Shopping Zone. There, we have procured a development partner to deliver three main developments: • The Forum – a new £17m community hub for the town centre providing a new library, space for the voluntary sector and new offices for the Borough Council. Construction is well underway and is schedule to complete at the end of 2016 with the Council occupying its new offices by early 2017. • Wrapping around the Forum is a 207-unit residential scheme which we expect to start in 2018/19; • And finally we hope to deliver a new commercial leisure opportunity at the former Market Square comprising a new multi-screen cinema supported by a range of family restaurants, delivery expected from 2018.

The brief for the Study work the Council now needs covers the site of the current civic centre, which is located just to the north of the new Forum and complementary residential developments as referred to above. The Council will vacate the Civic Centre by February 2017 and as such intends to market the site during 2016 in readiness for this. The appointed consultant is required to report on the feasibility and viability of development options which are explained below. Part of these options may include new police station accommodation and operational parking to serve it, who intend to relocate from its current location at Combe Street, which is being development for new housing as part of the Gade Zone redevelopment.

Additional information: Is a Recurrent Procurement Type? : No https://in-tendhost.co.uk/supplyhertfordshire/aspx/