This follows the decision made at Executive on 26 February where, after narrowing down interested developers, the Executive Team were asked to confirm the selection of a developer based on a recommendation from the Old River Lane Delivery Board.
The bidders had presented their interpretation of the vision for Old River Lane, which includes residential, retail, business space and a brand new arts and entertainment centre with a 500 seat theatre, four cinema screens and café/bar, and the potential to relocate the library as well. Partners were invited to attend the final presentations to ensure support from everyone involved in the project.
Councillors agreed with the recommended option and approved the decision to invest in Bishop's Stortford. The successfully awarded bidder will be announced following the completion of the mandatory 10 day standstill period.
This is the latest in the journey to redevelop the site, following the approval of the plans for the multi-storey car park by the development management committee last month. The Northgate End development will replace the surface car park on the Causeway, offering additional short and long stay spaces and freeing up the space on Old River Lane to make the vision a reality.
Linda Haysey, Leader, East Herts Council said:
"At last night's Full Council, we agreed the £30m budget for the arts centre and are now ready to appoint a developer to bring our vision for Old River Lane in Bishop's Stortford to life. This is an exciting next step in the journey for Bishop's Stortford town centre and will allow us to provide the best facilities for current and future residents of the town. We look forward to sharing further details in the coming weeks.
Later in the year we will start detailed masterplanning of the site, and we will be asking residents and stakeholders for their input as the plans evolve.
We'd like to thank our partners, Bishop's Stortford Town Council, Rhodes Birthplace Trust, Hertfordshire County Council and the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, all of whom are critical to the successful delivery of the project."
March 6, 2019
