Help shape a new Secret Garden for Welwyn Garden City

The council is consulting on proposals to transform the disused toilet block space beneath the central roundabout near the John Lewis subway into a welcoming community space where people can relax, connect with nature, enjoy community events and spend time together.

The project is called the Secret Garden, and a drop-in session is being held where people can view the proposals and share their views and feedback with council staff.  The next drop-in event will be in Humphrey’s Café in Campus West on Thursday 28 May from 6pm to 8pm.

The Secret Garden will aim to create an attractive and accessible space that reflects Welwyn Garden City’s unique heritage and garden city principles. Early proposals include demolishing the disused toilet block to create space for an amphitheatre for performances and events, alongside flexible pop-up kiosks that will help attract visitors and bring more activity to the area. The proposals also feature a community garden, public art, creative lighting and extensive new planting to enhance biodiversity.

Councillor Rose Grewal, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Planning said:

“Supporting vibrant town centres is a priority for the council and the Secret Garden project will build on the success of other projects in the borough, such as the regeneration of Market Place in Hatfield.

“The Secret Garden is an exciting opportunity to transform an underused part of Welwyn Garden City Town Centre into a unique space for the whole community to enjoy.  We want to hear the views of as many people as possible, so I encourage you to come and view the plans at Campus West and have your say.”

If you are unable to make the drop-in event at Campus West, you can take a look at the proposals on the council’s website and submit your feedback to PropertyDevelopment@welhat.gov.uk by Monday 1 June.  

Feedback from the consultation will help shape the final designs for this ambitious project.