The engagement of this project has ended
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The 'Big Watford Conversation', a survey to give local people the chance to share their views and experiences of the town, as well as their thoughts and ideas about Watford’s future has been launched.
Whether it's the town’s 17 green flag parks and other green spaces, local jobs and employment opportunities, or the availability of good quality housing, the council is keen to understand what matters most to residents. By taking part in the 'Big Watford Conversation,' people can actively contribute to shaping the future of their town.
To say ‘thank you’ for taking part, the council is offering five £30 Watford Gift Vouchers as part of a prize draw. Residents who wish to be entered into the draw just need to give their contact details at the end of the survey, with winners selected randomly. The survey deadline is 25 August.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “As Mayor, I am committed to making our town a vibrant and successful place to live, work, visit, and run a business. This can only be done by listening to residents and working together to make changes. That is why we are launching the ‘Big Watford Conversation’.”
“To be a successful town in the decades to come, we need to make decisions now so that we can create a town that future generations of residents and business are proud to call home. Your voice matters, and I encourage you to complete this questionnaire and share your thoughts before 25 August.”
Deputy Mayor of Watford and Portfolio Holder for Community, Councillor Aga Dychton, said: “Your voice, your town, your future! Engage in the 'Big Watford Conversation' and feedback your experiences, opinions, and suggestions on topics like green spaces, thriving job opportunities, or quality housing, to support the council's efforts to enhance Watford. Your perspective matters and every piece of insight is important for the future of our town.”
The survey can be accessed online through the council’s consultation platform at watfordcommunitysurvey.commonplace.is. Residents are encouraged to participate and share the survey link with their friends, neighbours, and community members to ensure a diverse range of perspectives are captured.
Posted on 19th July 2023
by Watford Borough Council
We really appreciated the great response to our consultation on Watford Town Centre, and thought you might be interested in another consultation that we’re running at the moment.
Watford Borough Council is currently in a consultation period for our Climate Change & Ecological Emergency Strategy. This is the draft version of the document that will guide climate policy in Watford for the next seven years up to 2030.
For anyone with any thoughts about how to tackle climate change in Watford, this is a great opportunity to see what we’re planning and also have your say. We’re really hoping to get as many responses as possible, and any feedback that we get will be carefully considered in the creation of the final document early next year.
Would you be able to help out and distribute the consultation link to your staff, or anyone else you think might be interested, via any channels that you have available? It would be much appreciated by us at the council and obviously a great help in formulating an effective and responsible climate policy.
You can read about our targets and provide feedback here, where you’ll also be able to find the full draft strategy: https://watfordsustainabilitystrategy.commonplace.is/
The consultation closes on Monday next week.
Posted on 7th December 2022
by Watford Borough Council
It's the last day to let us know how you would like the town centre to evolve and grow in the future, with feedback wanted on the draft proposals such as greener landscaping and improved public spaces.
Following the public engagement last year, where hundreds of residents and key groups were asked to share their views and ideas, a draft design framework has now been created for the town centre for people to comment on. This includes ideas such as more focus on pedestrians, better accessibility, more independent retailers and sustainable modes of transport.
All residents will be encouraged to go online to the engagement platform at watfordtowncentre.commonplace.is and express their views on the proposals. This will include a map with photo montages of existing situation at six key locations, together with visuals of potential interventions, where people can provide feedback.
Posted on 14th November 2022
by Watford Borough Council
The Place Shaping and Planning Policy team will be in the Urban Room (15-17 Queens Road - the old Santander opposite Primark) on Friday 21 October and Friday 4 November, with both drop-in sessions from 11am to 2pm. People can find out about the draft design framework that has now been created for the town centre for people to comment on. This includes ideas such as more focus on pedestrians, better accessibility, more independent retailers and sustainable modes of transport.
If you haven't already, don't forget to leave your comments on watfordtowncentre.commonplace.is. This will include a map with photo montages of existing situation at six key locations, together with visuals of potential interventions, where people can provide feedback. This includes:
Posted on 11th October 2022
by Watford Borough Council
The council is again asking for opinions from residents on how they would like the town centre to evolve and grow in the future, with feedback now wanted on the draft proposals such as greener landscaping and improved public spaces.
Following the public engagement last year, where hundreds of residents and key groups were asked to share their views and ideas, a draft design framework has now been created for the town centre for people to comment on. This includes ideas such as more focus on pedestrians, better accessibility, more independent retailers and sustainable modes of transport.
All residents will be encouraged to go online to the engagement platform at watfordtowncentre.commonplace.is and express their views on the proposals. This will include a map with photo montages of existing situation at six key locations, together with visuals of potential interventions, where people can provide feedback.
Over the coming weeks, a number of public meetings and events will also take place with a range of groups and organisations in the town. This includes drop–in sessions on Friday 21 October and Friday 4 November from 11am to 2pm in the Urban Room. The engagement will run for six weeks until 14 November, so please share your comments and what you agree and disagree on.
Quotes
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Watford was one of the top 10 places in the country for retail bouncing back from the pandemic and the town is already a very successful place, with regional, national and international reach.
“We continue to see steady investment, despite the health and economic challenges of recent times. However, high streets and town centres must continue to change and adapt for a new future. Earlier this year, it was great to have open and honest conversations about this with residents and stakeholders, including about how Watford town centre will change over the next 20 years. We would again like to know your thoughts on our initial proposals following your suggestions.
“We need to think beyond single sectors, such as retail and office, and towards making the town centre a hub for a range of activities and uses, for residents and visitors alike. Together we are laying the foundations for a vibrant town centre in the future.”
Councillor Aga Dychton, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Community, said: “The proposals follow the aftermath of the pandemic and the major switch to online shopping, high streets and town centres across the UK. This has meant that the town needs to change and adapt for a new future. Whilst Watford town centre is a lively, well used and resilient place, the council wants to make sure that it continues to grow and thrive.”
Posted on 3rd October 2022
by Watford Borough Council
Who should we be building homes for? What should they look like?
Do we really need parking in the town centre?
How do we define social infrastructure in Watford? Does it work well? Can we improve it?
How can new developments help build a strong social infrastructure?
Event 1: Homes in the Town Centre - Thursday 3rd March 2022 5.30pm
Event 2: What is social infrastructure and how do we build it? - 9th March 2022 5.30pm
Limited number of tickets available, so book now!Food and drink provided.
Posted on 24th February 2022
by Designing Watford Town Centre for the Future Team
We have two events coming up where we will be discussing key issues about Watford town centre, and we would like you to join our panels to contribute to the debate.
Event 1: Homes in the Town Centre
Thursday 3 rd March 2022 5.30pm 15-17 Queens Rd, Atria
Click here to book your place for Event 1.
More and more people want to live in town centres – and Watford is no exception. More homes in the town centre generate footfall and demand for shops, businesses and services. It’s important that these town centre neighbourhoods are walkable and that communities feel connected.
Event 2: What is social infrastructure and how do we build it?
9th March 2022 5.30pm 15-17 Queens Rd, Atria
Click here to book your place for Event 2.
Social infrastructure is a key part of the ‘software’ of our towns and cities: helping to build the connections between people and provide places for them to meet, as givers or recipients of services, or to spend time and socialize with each other. Places like cafes and libraries form part of the social infrastructure network, creating employment as well as connections. Developers have a role in ensuring the wellbeing of their customers, too.
Posted on 16th February 2022
by Abigail Blunt