Welwyn Hatfield Year in Review: September 2023

1. 860-home development 'moves step closer'

News that a major development in Welwyn Garden City was taking steps forward piqued readers' interests in September. 

Planning permission has already been granted for 860 new homes on the former Panshanger Aerodrome site, with the UK Government's Homes England now searching for a development partner.

650 homes had originally been planned, prior to an expansion. (Image: Savills)The land is being marketed by Savills, with the hope that a buyer will be in place by early next year.

Abigail Jones, a director in the development team at Savills Cambridge, said: “With permission for redevelopment into a sustainable new community, de Havilland Park represents a unique opportunity to tackle some of that need – delivering a high quality, low density urban extension with an emphasis on design and placemaking.”

2. Flying Scotsman returns to Hertfordshire

Excitement was building for the return of legendary locomotive, The Flying Scotsman, which passed through Potters Bar and Welwyn Garden City in September. 

The Flying Scotsman (Image: East Lancashire Railway)The 100-year-old steam train delighted crowds in Hertfordshire on a few occasions in 2023, including the September visits and another pass through in June. 

3. Efforts continue to save The White Horse in Kimpton

A third pop-up event was organised to save The White Horse in the village of Kimpton. 

In 2014, the pub was sold by McMullen's brewery and has since had two change-of-use applications rejected.

Save The White Horse pop up event (Image: Save Our White Horse)The 'Save Our White Horse' campaign was then launched to to rescue the establishment.

Campaign group member Doug Jenner explained the purpose of the event: "It’s very exciting to know that there is such incredible local support for our campaign.

Since, another pop-up was held for the festive season on December 8.

4. One Town Centre development finally opens in Hatfield

After a lengthy construction time, One Town Centre officially opened in Hatfield on September 6. 

The project was part of the Hatfield Regeneration Programme and brings 71 modern homes, including 38 socially rented flats, as well as new retail and leisure spaces.

Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, councillor Pankit Shah, cuts the ribbon to open One Town Centre (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)

"One Town Centre is a notable achievement for our borough, completing yet another redevelopment of part of Hatfield Town Centre, bringing it right up to date in the 21st century as a really attractive new place," said council leader Paul Zukowskyj.

The regeneration of Hatfield will now continue at Link Drive, with developer Lovell Homes building 80 contemporary apartments set to be completed by 2024.

5. Charity opens pre-loved fashion boutique in Welwyn

Always Loved by Isabel Hospice opened on Thursday, September 7, with the charity's chair of trustees, Terry Philpott, and the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Pankit Shah, cutting the ribbon, while Welwyn Hatfield MP Grant Shapps also paid a visit.

Always Loved opened in High Street, Welwyn (Image: Isabel Hospice)

Charlotte Greenwood, head of retail and marketing at Isabel Hospice, said: "This shop launch has been a real labour of love, and our first opening since COVID-19, the last being in 2019. Always Loved is the first of many new shops opening across eastern Hertfordshire for the Hospice, so watch this space."

Always Loved is part of Isabel Hospice's efforts to move away from the traditional charity shop, with Charlotte continuing: "There has been a noticeable shift towards shopping second hand, reflecting a change in consumer mindset towards sustainable fashion.