Stevenage is undergoing an ambitious 20-year regeneration programme, funded by a consortium of partners including Hertfordshire LEP, Stevenage Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

The first phase of this programme is SG1; a 14.5 acre redevelopment scheme spanning nine areas in the existing town centre. SG1 will introduce new housing, retail, bars, cafes and restaurants – along with a new combined public sector hub housing a library, health facilities, charity and voluntary services and Stevenage Borough Council offices – to the centre of Stevenage.

Work is also being undertaken to relocate the bus station to a new site, create additional parking facilities, and acquire land to facilitate a larger redevelopment package.

In February 2018, international developer Mace was chosen by Stevenage Borough Council to spearhead the development of SG1.

In March 2019, the council signed a major new agreement with Mace to work in partnership towards the long-term transformation of Stevenage Town Centre.

In October 2020, the planning application for SG1 submitted by Mace in January was approved by the planning authority.

Why?
The regeneration seeks to overcome many of the current challenges faced by New Towns like Stevenage and provides an opportunity to reinvest in decaying infrastructure and capitalise on the town’s outstanding transport links to London and surrounding areas.

The programme will create a mixed use economy within the town centre combining residential, retail and leisure facilities to reinvigorate Stevenage for the 21st Century and unlock its economic potential.

Impact
Funding from Hertfordshire LEP has been critical to unlocking the first phase of development (SG1) which will deliver new homes, retail units and public facilities within the new civic hub. Additional investment will be made to improve transport links, parking facilities, and facilitate the creation of a new site between the town square and Lytton Way.

Funding
Hertfordshire LEP has invested £34m from the Local Growth Fund towards this project, including £15m from Growth Deal 1 and a further £19m from Growth Deal 3. £9.6m of the Growth Deal 3 allocation was awarded (subject to certain requirements) for the Stevenage Bus Station Interchange Project.