The Redevelopment
The redevelopment of Garden Avenue and Furzen Crescent is part of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Councils Affordable Housing Programme Delivery Plan. It has generated the first new homes directly provided by the council in over 20 years. Lilac Close (formerly Furzen Crescent) is a collection of seven two-bed houses and Lime Tree Court (previously known as Garden Avenue) is a mix of 22 one and two-bed flats. Adopting a ‘mews’ approach, the developments combine an established, traditional typology with a contemporary feel. Stylish, practical and energy efficient, meeting current best practice standards and the enhanced HQI spatial standards and Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4, the developments are traditional, creating simple forms with good proportions and considered detailing.
Hertfordshire Building Control worked with council teams at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, architects Rock Townsend and construction partners Mears New Homes to deliver both projects.
Garden Avenue, Hatfield
The scheme of 22 new homes built on a former garage site at Garden Avenue has improved the area and helped to tackle historic issues. Where the affordable homes now sit, anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping has become a thing of the past. The homes have been constructed to meet Lifetime Home Standard, and all can be easily adaptable for lifetime use at minimal cost if a tenant’s needs change. Technical challenges were considered from the outset and steps taken to de-risk and embed value. Furthermore, simple detailing and brickwork maximise affordability while delivering high-quality flats. Special attention was given to energy efficiency to ensure lower fuel bills for tenants. The flats all have access to a secure communal garden, and the majority have their own terrace or balcony. One of the flats is fully adapted for a wheelchair user, with its own garden and carport.
Tenant Jodie Simmons, said: “We couldn’t believe we were offered something this nice in the perfect location for our jobs and being close to our families.”
Furzen Crescent, Hatfield
The 7 new two bedroom homes at former Furzen Crescent have provided much needed smaller family-sized affordable accommodation for social rent for local people, built with an emphasis on high quality, tenure-blind specification. Designed to enable independent, flexible and adaptable living, features include space for a through floor lift and a route for a tracking hoist should there be a need in the future. The design, layout and physical security of the homes received the Secured by Design Silver certification. The buildings meet all current best practice standards, enhanced HQI spatial standards and Lifetime Homes.
New tenant Ella Jones, said: “The house is lovely, it doesn’t feel like a council house. I’m very happy.”