Next Step in Howlands House Redevelopment as Demolition Begins

This marks the start of a positive transformation that will deliver modern, high-quality temporary accommodation for local individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

The council was awarded £243,000 from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund to support the redevelopment of the site. The funding was secured by WHBC as part of the Hertfordshire Property Partnership and has helped bring the project forward and ensures the scheme remains viable despite rising construction costs.

O’Connell Demolition has been appointed as the Principal Contractor by WHBC to carry out the demolition works at Howlands House. Over the next few weeks, residents and passers-by will notice increased activity on site as preparations get underway.

The works will include demolishing the residential blocks, crushing and recycling materials, and levelling the site ready for construction.

Built more than 40 years ago, the current Howlands House building is in poor condition and no longer meets modern standards. Its redevelopment has long been an aspiration for the council to ensure local residents have access to safe, welcoming temporary accommodation while their housing needs are assessed.

The new Howlands House will provide modern, energy-efficient homes, a staff office, children’s play area, parking, and landscaped surroundings. Once complete, the new development will help reduce the otherwise considerable expenditure on the use of hotels and B&Bs for emergency temporary accommodation, saving public money in the long term.

Councillor Gemma Moore, Executive Member for Housing, said:

“The start of demolition marks a really positive milestone in this important redevelopment. Howlands House has supported families and individuals in need for decades, and this project will ensure it can continue to do so in a modern, safe and welcoming environment. I’m pleased to see this project moving forward.”