Historic haven for business and people

With two distinct towns at its core – Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield – the borough of Welwyn Hatfield has attracted attention for its unique blend of past and future. Businesses, residents and visitors alike are drawn to the area’s balance of heritage, modern development and unmatched connectivity.

Welwyn Garden City is a town unlike any other, being the world’s second-ever garden city. Founded by Ebenezer Howard when he was almost 70 in 1920, it was built with the ambition of creating a perfect marriage of city and countryside. A young French/ Canadian architect called Louis de Soisson was the new garden city’s consultant architect.

After marking its centenary five years ago, Welwyn Garden City continues to thrive as a prime example of thoughtful urban planning. Its well-laid-out streets, green spaces and beautiful floral displays reflect Howard’s original vision of harmony between industrial productivity and a serene living environment. The town’s centre remains the heart of the community, with key attractions such as John Lewis drawing visitors from across the region. Modern enhancements to public spaces, such as the remodelling of Anniversary Gardens, have made Welwyn Garden City more accessible and vibrant for residents and businesses alike. Campus West, the town’s cultural hub, further supports this lively atmosphere by hosting films, shows and community activities.

In contrast to Welwyn Garden City’s planned origins, Hatfield’s roots stretch back centuries. The town is perhaps most famous for Hatfield House, a magnificent Jacobean estate completed in 1611. Built by Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury and chief advisor to King James I, the Grade I-listed mansion stands as one of England’s finest examples of Jacobean architecture.

Its grounds – including the Great Park and the Old Palace where Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood – attract over 100,000 visitors annually.

While steeped in history, Hatfield has successfully evolved into a key economic hub. The University of Hertfordshire, located in Hatfield, is a world-class educational institution hosting over 24,000 students and 2,500 staff. Combined with the Royal Veterinary College just a few miles south, the area is a magnet for knowledge and innovation.

With history as its foundation, Welwyn Hatfield has flourished into a modern business powerhouse. The borough is home to nearly 5,000 businesses, a figure that has grown by 28 per cent over the past decade, a testament to its thriving economy.

At the forefront of Welwyn Hatfield’s economic strength is Hatfield Business Park, a high-quality site of regional importance. Originally developed on the grounds of the decommissioned Hatfield Aerodrome, over 13,000 people now work at the Business Park. Its strategic location – just 21 miles north of

London and close to major transport routes –has made it attractive to a diverse range of industries.

From corporate headquarters to cutting-edge research and development centres, Hatfield Business Park exemplifies the borough’s capacity to support large-scale, high-value operations. Notable employers at the park draw talent from across the country, with excellent road and rail networks ensuring accessibility.

Beyond major employers, Welwyn Hatfield actively supports SMEs and startups through initiatives such as HatTech and WelTech, council-operated business hubs. Designed to foster collaboration, innovation and growth, these centres provide flexible workspaces, high-end amenities, and an environment where smaller enterprises can thrive.

One of Welwyn Hatfield’s most significant assets is its unparalleled connectivity. Located along key transport corridors, the borough benefits from:

• Direct rail links: Fast services to London (King’s Cross and St Pancras) make the area ideal for commuters and businesses alike.

• Road networks: Proximity to the A1(M) ensures seamless access to Hertfordshire, London, Cambridge and beyond.

• Air travel: Three major international airports – Heathrow, Luton, and Stansted – are all within an hour’s drive, offering businesses unrivalled access to global markets.

These logistical advantages have made Welwyn Hatfield an attractive location for distribution centres, technology firms and corporate headquarters.

Central to Hatfield’s modernisation is the Hatfield 2030+ project, a long-term initiative aimed at revitalising the town centre. Key developments include:

• One Town Centre: A mixed-use project combining groundfloor commercial units with modern housing, creating a vibrant and connected town centre.

• Link Drive: The construction of 80 new homes, with careful design ensuring harmony between the development and its natural surroundings.

• White Lion Square: Enhancements to public spaces that improve the town’s aesthetic appeal and usability.

These projects balance contemporary design with sensitivity to Hatfield’s rich history, ensuring a cohesive blend of old and new.

In Welwyn Garden City, the WGC 2120 initiative promises to guide the town into its next 100 years. Recent milestones include the redevelopment of the Campus West car park, which expanded capacity while integrating eco-friendly solutions such as electric charging points and cycle facilities. These improvements reflect a broader strategy to promote active travel and sustainable living.

Welwyn Hatfield’s appeal extends beyond its business credentials. It is a place that offers a high quality of life, low unemployment rates and excellent educational opportunities. Families are drawn to the borough for its exceptional schools, while professionals appreciate the variety of housing – from town-centre apartments to idyllic countryside homes in surrounding villages.

Hatfield’s retail and leisure options, including The Galleria outlet centre, provide excellent shopping and entertainment opportunities. Meanwhile, Welwyn Garden City’s award-winning parks and cultural events, such as the World Food Festival, bring the community together year after year.

For businesses seeking an exceptional location, Welwyn Hatfield offers the complete package: historical significance, modern infrastructure, strategic connectivity and a skilled workforce. From Hatfield’s dynamic business park to Welwyn Garden City’s inviting public spaces, the borough exemplifies how history and progress can coexist to create a prosperous future.

Whether you are a multinational enterprise or a growing start-up, Welwyn Hatfield provides the perfect environment to succeed—a place where businesses, communities and heritage come together.

For businesses seeking an exceptional location, Welwyn Hatfield offers the complete package: historical significance, modern infrastructure, strategic connectivity and a skilled workforce.