Updated plans to redevelop the BioPark site on Broadwater Road

The site and evolving area

Located on Broadwater Road, the site is in a highly accessible part of Welwyn Garden City, within walking distance of the train station, town centre, surrounding residential neighbourhoods, and a nearby nursing home.

The site was previously home to BioPark, a research and development complex owned and operated by the University of Hertfordshire. Following the steady decline of demand and occupation at the facility over a number of years, these buildings have since been demolished, resulting in a vacant brownfield site.

Planning context and previous scheme

A previous planning application for Broadwater Gardens was approved in 2022. The consented scheme included 289 new homes, a community hub, new public realm, open spaces, and associated landscaping.

Since then, rising construction costs and updated building safety regulations have resulted in the previously approved scheme no longer being viable.

Therefore, our updated proposals have sought to respond to these changes while maximising the site’s potential as a sustainable, well-connected, centrally located and previously developed site.

Our proposals

Broadwater Gardens presents a unique opportunity to transform a disused brownfield site into a thriving, inclusive and sustainable new community in the heart of Welwyn Garden City.

Our vision for the site includes:

• 319 build to rent homes, with a range of one to four-bedroom properties, including a number of homes at discounted market rent.
• A design approach inspired by Garden City Principles, reflecting and enhancing local character through quality architecture and placemaking.
• Improved green transport links, including new pedestrian and cycle routes that strengthen access to the railway station and town centre, encouraging active travel and reducing car dependency.
• Generous public and private green spaces, including landscaped areas, green buffers and open space to promote health, wellbeing, and biodiversity.
• A welcoming community hub at ground level, with a lounge, café and flexible spaces to foster social connection and bring residents together.
• A low-carbon, energy-efficient design, aligned with the borough’s climate resilience goals and supporting sustainable living.

Upcoming engagement events

We recently undertook a public consultation seeking the community’s views on the proposals. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to attend an event or share their feedback. If you have any further comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to email the team at broadwatergardens@kandaconsulting.co.uk.

PRIVACY NOTICE

By completing and submitting this questionnaire you confirm you have been provided with and read our Privacy Notice. The collection of your personal data is undertaken in accordance with the terms of our Privacy Notice. Our Privacy Notice can be downloaded at kandaconsulting.co.uk/privacy-policy

Project Timeline

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website on our proposals for the future of Broadwater Gardens.

Should you have any questions or would like to get in touch with the project team, please use the details below:

DISCLAIMER: All information you give us will be stored safely, treated confidentially, and only used in connection with this project. However, these details are not required, should you wish not to provide them.