WHC - Re-Provision of 16 Flats at Northdown Road, Hatfield

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is seeking a construction partner to undertake the demolition of existing bedsits and the design and construction of 16 new one bedroom flats and associated infrastructure and services. The site is owned by the Council and is located along Northdown Road, a residential area of south Hatfield The redevelopment of Northdown Road is part of the Councils Affordable Housing Programme which includes a range of initiatives to generate the first new homes directly provided by the Council in over 20 years.

As part of a wider rationalising of housing assets; the council is seeking to meet the increased demand for housing to provide more affordable housing to local people. The existing bedsits have become void and difficult to let because the properties are on stilts and have un-insulated timber floors installed over a concrete structure which are cold and expensive to heat. Additionally the rainwater, waste water and soil pipes all run under the timber floors, terminating in the block at the end of the run. Leaks have caused damp issues, plus at times sewerage.

The scheme has received full planning permission and has incorporated a range of methods to reduce energy consumption and fuel poverty. Local resident consultation has been at the heart of the scheme due to the close proximity of neighbouring properties and access arrangements. A local resident consultation event was held by the Council prior to a planning submission and feedback from residents was incorporated into the design. The Council is committed to resident consultation to ensure residents living in adjoining flats are fully engaged throughout the redevelopment.