Saunders have secured planning permission for the conversion of the former Debenhams store building in the heart of Welwyn Garden City’s town centre. The design proposes retaining shopping space on the ground floor and introducing 27 flats above in space previously occupied by the retailer. An additional floor of residential is added at roof level behind a mansard designed to sit in context with the existing building and adjoining developments.

Saunders Managing Director, Martin Williams, explains how the new development will help to breathe life into this very important part of the town: “At the current time, Welwyn Garden City’s shopping area can be very quiet in the evenings. By introducing residential accommodation into the town centre, we not only deliver much needed new homes that are close to the station and shops, we are also bringing more people into the town at night. This will offer new opportunities to business owners. Mixing residential and retail is a proven way of making our urban spaces safer and more inviting and ultimately, it will help to revitalise our town centre.”