Council Celebrates Completion of Hatfield’s Market Place
WHBC celebrates a major milestone with the official opening of the newly redeveloped Market Place in Hatfield.
The transformation marks a significant investment in the town centre, creating a vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable public space for residents and visitors.
To mark the occasion, on Friday 26 September, the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Lynn Chesterman OBE, joined Lord Salisbury, Welwyn Hatfield MP Andrew Lewin, Councillor Max Holloway Leader of WHBC, Councillor Jane Quinton, WHBC Deputy Leader along with Councillor Rose Grewal, Executive Member for Planning, Cabinet Members, WHBC Chief Executive Ka Ng and other distinguished guests for an exclusive preview and tour of Market Place ahead of its public opening.
Delivered by civil engineering specialists Henderson & Taylor and supported by funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the redevelopment has reimagined Hatfield’s Market Place as a welcoming destination for the community. The redesigned space includes new landscaping with trees and sustainable planting, additional seating, and upgraded lighting to enhance safety and ambience throughout the day and evening.
A key feature of the project is the inclusive play area, designed to ensure children of all abilities can play side by side. The gently sloped surface allows wheelchair users to access equipment such as a trampoline, nest swing, roundabout, and play tower, reflecting the Council’s commitment to accessibility and inclusive design.
The scheme also delivers environmental benefits such as 10% net gain in biodiversity for the area through new green spaces and planting, while preserving mature trees that contribute to the town’s character and ecology.
Councillor Rose Grewal, Executive Member for Planning, said:
“I’m thrilled to see the transformation of Hatfield’s Market Place, which has created a safer, greener, and more welcoming public space for families, residents, and visitors to enjoy. The increased footfall this will bring is great news for local businesses in the Town Centre. With new landscaping, inclusive play areas, and improved seating, the renewal of Market Place will significantly enhance the vibrancy and amenity of Hatfield Town Centre.
This project reflects our ongoing commitment to the regeneration of our Town Centres, and I encourage everyone to visit and experience the improvements for themselves. I hope families and children will enjoy the new spaces and equipment for many years to come.”