Hatfield Market Place wins East of England Constructing Excellence Award
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s regeneration of Hatfield Market Place has won a regional award for excellence in construction, marking further recognition for this groundbreaking scheme.
The project has been named winner of the Regeneration & Conservation category in the East of England Constructing Excellence (CE) Awards, which celebrate initiatives that set new standards in collaboration, innovation, sustainability and social value.
The latest recognition for Market Place follows its success in the same category at the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire CE Awards in June and means it will now join the list of finalists for the National CE Awards, which will take place on Friday 6 November.
Completed last year, Market Place forms a key part of the council’s regeneration of Hatfield, providing a welcoming, safe, and inclusive new public space at the heart of the town centre that supports local communities and businesses.
The project created an accessible play area for families to enjoy, along with new landscaping, trees and sustainable planting, additional seating, and upgraded lighting to enhance safety and ambience. Characterised by a strong focus on sustainability, it involved reusing and repurposing materials, creating wildlife habitats, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing the natural environment.
Councillor Rose Grewal, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Planning, said:
“I am thrilled by the recognition our Market Place project has received since its completion last year. This latest award highlights its success in creating a vibrant new destination at the heart of the town centre while respecting the area’s heritage and enhancing its character and environment.
“It is fantastic to see how popular the new play area and public space have become with residents and visitors, providing a real boost for our efforts to revitalise our town centres for the long-term benefit of our businesses and communities.”