McLaren Living, the residential developer with a focus on build-to-rent and co-living, has acquired Watford Police Station and Magistrates Court from the Police & Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire.

It is anticipated that Hertfordshire Constabulary will be vacating the current 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 Q2 2024.

The 1.75 acre site, earmarked in Watford Borough Council’s adopted local plan for comprehensive mixed-use redevelopment, is located approximately 150m from Watford Junction Station, which benefits from fast, frequent services directly into London Euston.

McLaren Living plans to submit proposals for a new mixed-use neighbourhood, comprising approximately 300 build-to-rent homes and approximately 30,000ft² of commercial space.

The scheme will also deliver publicly accessible open space and landscaping, including the retention of the existing trees along Clarendon Road.

McLaren Living will undertake a comprehensive programme of stakeholder and community engagement and maintain a collaborative approach throughout the design and planning process. McLaren Living intends to submit a planning application to Watford Borough Council in early 2024.

Matthew Biddle, managing director at McLaren Living, commented: “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.