The newly completed multi-storey car park in Hatfield, due to open on 20 March, will make way for a suite of exciting new regeneration projects to boost the town’s future prosperity.

With over a third of land in Hatfield town centre currently being used for surface-level parking, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) have jointly funded The Common car park to consolidate parking and release sites across town for regeneration.

This will include the introduction of new homes, retail and leisure facilities, as well as attractive landscaped areas to increase footfall, improve the town’s vitality and unlock Hatfield's potential.

The car park was funded by a £4.8m Local Growth Fund investment from Hertfordshire LEP, with an additional £1.2m from the council's capital projects budget. Featuring iconic aircraft designs, symbolic of Hatfield's proud aviation heritage, the 420 space multi-storey features 18 disabled bays and eight electric vehicle charging points.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Tony Kingsbury, said: “The completion of The Common multi-storey car park is a very exciting milestone and moves us a step closer to our wider Hatfield 2030+ regeneration plans. Unlocking the land around Hatfield means that we can build new homes, leisure, flexible retail and commercial space, to revive the town centre and ensure its long term prosperity.”

Adam Wood, Head of Infrastructure & Regeneration at Hertfordshire LEP, said: “We are delighted that work has completed on The Common car park, signalling the start of an exciting new chapter of development in Hatfield town centre. This work forms part of our wider £6m programme of support to ensure Hatfield is ready to meet the opportunities of the future, with a strengthened town centre offer that will benefit local people and businesses for years to come.”

Parking will be unrestricted initially for the next eight weeks, although the council will be monitoring usage over this period. New restrictions will be introduced on 17 May, with parking free for three hours to suit the needs of most shoppers. Charging for 3-4 hours is £3.50 and £6.50 all day.

The scheme was driven by the Hatfield Renewal Partnership - a partnership made up of local authorities, the LEP, landowners and educational institutions who have developed a shared vision and plan for the town's long-term regeneration.

Visit the One Welhat website for details of the Hatfield 2030+ project.​​