Watford’s Market Street improvements are now complete

The first phase of the works to improve the look and feel of Watford’s popular shopping destination Market Street, was recently completed by Watford Borough Council last month.

The Market Street makeover is part of the council’s work to support local businesses…

The busy parade of shops, restaurants and other businesses from Exchange Road to Merton Road (south) who supported the project, will now benefit from the introduction of new modern street furniture, as well as pedestrian friendly measures including renewed footway paving, improved drainage and strategically placing bollards to prevent illegal parking. From mid-January, the north side of Market Street from Exchange Road to High Street will also benefit from similar works.

This scheme has brought the aesthetics within Market Street up to the same standards as the major public realm scheme completed nearby within the town centre in 2019, which led to better access for pedestrians and cyclists, by reducing vehicle usage and improving the street furniture.

Denise Cox, owner of Tapestry Cakes said: “The area has been enhanced to provide a sustainable and vibrant local high street to support the community and local businesses for years to come. The improvements offer a better Market Street experience as a place to meet, relax and enjoy, by providing an attractive, safe space at the heart of the town centre.”

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said: “One of my key manifesto commitments was to improve areas such as this. We must make sure that all of our town can benefit from investment and schemes like these, which are really important in making Watford a better place. The changes make a real difference to the look and feel of Market Street, making it much more attractive for residents, shoppers and visitors.”

The council has developed a phased improvement plan for various locations across the town, including St Albans Road, Clarendon Road, Queens Road and the Town Centre.