We celebrated the opening of Jubilee Square!

We are pleased to announce that our new development, Jubilee Square, is officially complete and will soon be welcoming residents!

On 31 July 2024, we attended the opening ceremony with representatives from St Albans District Council (SADC), Morgan Sindall Construction and the St Albans Quakers.

Jubilee Square was SADC's £64 million regeneration project designed to transform a rundown area of the city centre, which was the site of the old police station and an NHS facility.

It now consists of a residential building, which includes our 93 homes, a large commercial space and a communal garden.

Of our 93 properties, 33 homes are available for social rent to those on SADC’s housing register. There are also 60 for shared ownership, to give young people and key workers the chance to obtain a home of their own in an iconic location.

The centre of the landscaped area is the site of a Quaker burial ground. The Quakers bought a burial plot at the site back in 1676, and with the help of an architect and an archaeologist – due to the sensitivity of the site – it is now a beautiful communal garden.

The design of the buildings was chosen by the public following an architectural competition. Both of the buildings have eco-friendly features designed to improve sustainability including air source heat pumps, energy efficient lighting and green roofs which store rainwater. 

Tina Barnard, Chief Executive of Watford Community Housing, said: “We are delighted to have acquired Jubilee Square, bringing 93 much-needed new homes to St Albans.

“This development demonstrates the brilliant partnership working between housing associations and local councils that is vital to the delivery of affordable homes, and we are very pleased to be able to provide these homes to residents in St Albans, especially as it is an area that can be very expensive. 

“We look forward to seeing the first residents move into these beautiful homes in the very near future.”