Market Place, Hatfield shortlisted for national placemaking award

The Pineapple Awards, from The Developer, recognise outstanding placemaking projects across the UK that deliver positive social, environmental and economic benefits for local communities.

The Market Place project transformed an under-used, inaccessible area of Hatfield town centre into a welcoming, safe, and inclusive public space, which was delivered by civil engineering specialists Henderson & Taylor and supported by funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Previously affected by antisocial behaviour and poor accessibility, the redesign includes new landscaping with trees and sustainable planting, additional seating, and upgraded lighting to enhance safety and ambience, while supporting community wellbeing, increasing footfall, and strengthening the local economy.

A major focus of the project - and central to its award nomination - was creating a child-friendly environment where children can play safely and inclusively, and make families feel welcome. The new accessible play area enables children of all abilities to play side by side, with a gently sloped surface allowing wheelchair users to reach equipment such as a trampoline, nest swing, roundabout and play tower.

Pupils from a local SEND school took part in a “day of play” to test the inclusive equipment, with their feedback directly informing improvements and shaping the final design by DWG. Their involvement was commemorated with a community time capsule, giving a sense of ownership in the new space.

Sustainability was embedded throughout the project. Ninety-four per cent of the existing block paving was reused, timber logs were repurposed into wildlife habitats, and new landscaping delivered a 10% biodiversity net gain - reducing waste, cutting carbon emissions and enhancing the natural environment.

Since reopening, the regenerated Market Place has become a vibrant and welcoming focal point for the town centre. Early monitoring shows an estimated 30% increase in footfall and time spent there compared with the previous year, reflecting growing confidence in the space and increased social activity. Local businesses have also been able to open on Sundays for the first time in many years as a direct result of the improvements.

Councillor Rose Grewal, Executive Member for Planning, said:

“We are delighted that Market Place has been recognised nationally for the positive impact it is having on our community. Creating a child-friendly, inclusive and accessible space was at the heart of this project, a place where people and families want to spend time and can now do so in attractive surroundings. Being shortlisted for a Pineapple Award is a testament to the hard work, creativity and commitment that went into transforming this part of Hatfield Town Centre. I’d like to thank our partners on this project – DWG, Henderson & Taylor, and Press & Starkey, who all deserve recognition for sharing our vision and helping us make it a reality.”

Winners of the Pineapple Awards will be announced at a ceremony on 22 April.