A planning application for the £1.2m transformation of White Lion Square in Hatfield has been submitted.
Plans feature new paving, seating, raised planters, children’s play equipment, cycle parking and the return of the iconic Pearl statue – back by popular demand following a public poll in December. It is planned for her to sit in a new extended grass planter in front of Peacocks with a plaque explaining her history, and that of White Lion Square.
In response to resident feedback, the proposed scheme also retains the large open area in the middle of the square to accommodate the growing market and local events and the planters along the edge by Simmons leading down to Erol’s.
Consultation on the application is open until it is determined by the council’s development management committee. The work will be funded by a grant from the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership in support of the continued town centre transformation.
Bernard Sarson, Executive Member for Business and Partnerships, said: “We listened to what residents and businesses wanted to see in White Lion Square and how we could make it a space for everyone, where people want to meet with friends, spend time and relax.
“It is part of our wider town centre redevelopment plans, and we’re excited to bring the project to this next stage and hope to start work in autumn.”
To view or comment on the application, please visit the council’s planning portal http://planning.welhat.gov.uk/ and enter the reference number 6/2018/0272/FULL
Work is aiming to start in autumn and is expected to take around six months.