Work is set to begin on the Salisbury Square development, after a ground breaking ceremony in Old Hatfield.
The development, set to be completed in spring 2026, will feature the completion of Arm and Sword Lane with a terrace of five new homes and a number of new car parking spaces.
Salisbury Square will be sympathetically rebuilt by land owners Gascoyne Estates and contractors Boom Construction, to feature flexible commercial, retail and hospitality spaces, as well as three apartments with roof top terraces.
The traditional ground breaking ceremony celebrates earth being broken to make room for a new buildings, with the likes of Lord and Lady Salisbury, and Welwyn Hatfield Mayor Cllr Frank Marsh in attendance.
Salisbury Square is expected to be completed in 2026. (Image: Gascoyne Estates / Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)
Representatives from the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, appointed contractor Boom Construction, members of the Gascoyne Estates project team, local retailers and members of the Old Hatfield community were also there to mark the occasion.
"The transformation of Salisbury Square will have a significant impact on the Hatfield community, providing an inspiring destination for people to live, work or enjoy their leisure time," said Cllr Marsh.
"With wonderful green spaces and parkland in close proximity, and Hatfield Railway Station just a few steps away, Old Hatfield will be a truly unique place.
"It is extremely rewarding to see the hard work of all those involved in the project coming to fruition after so many years."
The old Salisbury Square shopping was demolished back in January. (Image: Alan Davies)
A spokesperson for Gascoyne Estates added: "The Salisbury Square redevelopment has been a collaborative effort driven by the dedication of a broad group of stakeholders with a common goal in mind – to ensure the successful re-emergence of a thriving and vibrant community at the very heart of Old Hatfield.
"Salisbury Square symbolises the dawn of a new era for Old Hatfield and a brighter future for the town, generating new jobs, providing essential services and a unique environment in which to live, work, meet and relax."
Work to demolish the old 1970s shopping parade in Salisbury Square began back in January, with the buildings in a state of decay.
The new workspace, retail and residential units will sit across the main road from Hatfield Railway Station, near The Great Northern pub, and less than 500m from the Marquess of Salisbury’s historic home – Hatfield House.
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