Borough balances heritage, growth and opportunity

Nestled in the heart of Hertfordshire, the Borough of Broxbourne seamlessly blends rich historical heritage with forward-thinking economic development

As a vibrant hub for businesses and residents alike, Broxbourne offers a unique combination of strategic location, robust infrastructure and a commitment to growth.

Its three main towns of Cheshunt, Hoddesdon and Waltham Cross each have their own identity.

Cheshunt is the home to Green Flag award-winning Cedars Park, once home to King James I who lived at the Palace of Theobalds, the ruins of which remain a top visitor attraction. The town is where British Olympic medallist Laura Trott grew up, and gold post boxes mark the Olympic medals she won. The leisure centre was also named after the Olympian.

Hoddesdon has an attractive town centre with the well-loved Clock Tower and war memorials. It is also a stone’s throw away from the Borough’s Lowewood Museum and the Spotlight Theatre. The town is further complemented by Green Flag award-winning Barclay Park.

Waltham Cross is rich in cultural diversity while also preserving its historic connections, easy access to the Lee Valley White Water Centre, home of the 2012 Olympic canoeing, and close proximity to the M25.

Each area offers its own unique business landscape with the borough a magnet for established enterprises and start-ups. It is home to several notable companies. In Turnford, Lamex is a key player, while Hoddesdon hosts major firms such as Pharmaron and Volker Fitzpatrick. Waltham Cross is the base for Reynolds Catering, Fishpools and the Lee Valley White Water Centre.

Cheshunt is set to welcome a new Google Data Centre, reinforcing Broxbourne’s appeal to major global businesses. The opening of the £10 million Theobalds Enterprise Centre in 2023 exemplifies the borough’s dedication to nurturing small and medium-sized enterprises. This state-of-the-art facility provides flexible workspaces, cutting-edge amenities and comprehensive business support, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Broxbourne’s commitment to growth is evident through several ambitious projects. The Brookfield Riverside and Brookfield Garden Village developments aim to create a new retail, civic, business and leisure centre, alongside housing for approximately 5,000 residents.

Broxbourne’s commitment to growth is evident through several ambitious projects. The Brookfield Riverside and Brookfield Garden Village developments aim to create a new retail, civic, business and leisure centre, alongside housing for approximately 5,000 residents.

The Waltham Cross regeneration project is a key initiative designed to transform the town centre into a vibrant, modern area while preserving its historical character. The Borough of Broxbourne secured £14.3 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support the transformation. Work began in September 2024, with the project expected to be completed by autumn this year.

The regeneration project involves a complete upgrade of the town centre’s public spaces, replacing outdated red brick paving with a contemporary grey design, introducing new street furniture and lighting, and creating landscaped play zones. Accessibility improvements include reopening the northern end of the High Street to light traffic and redesigning the Stanhope Way/Monarchs Way junction to remove the underpass and introduce safer pedestrian crossings.

A key focus is on expanding the community hub and developing new skills training facilities to boost employment opportunities.

With excellent transport links, including proximity to the M25 and A10, Broxbourne is well connected to major hubs. Five train stations – Rye Park (Hoddesdon), Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Theobalds Grove and Waltham Cross – ensure seamless connectivity to London, Cambridge and Stansted Airport. Broxbourne offers a rich tapestry of leisure activities. The Lee Valley White Water Centre provides thrilling water sports experiences, while the Spotlight Theatre in Hoddesdon serves as a cultural hub, hosting a variety of performances and events. Grundy Park and Waltham Cross Playing Fields have been recently redeveloped, introducing modern facilities including skate parks and sustainable outdoor gyms, catering to diverse recreational interests.

Broxbourne boasts a diverse and thriving retail environment across its key towns. Cheshunt is home to the Brookfield Shopping Centre, which features major retailers such as Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Next, Flannels, River Island, Sports Direct, JD Sports, Boots and Vision Express. The Cheshunt Old Pond area complements this with a variety of restaurants and independent businesses.

Waltham Cross town centre offers a mix of high-street shops alongside the Pavilions Shopping Centre, where well-known brands such as Wickes, Homebase, Boots, Sainsbury’s and CEX are located. Hoddesdon has a charming town centre featuring retailers such as Morrisons, Aldi, Boots, Peacocks and SpecSavers, as well as a range of independent shops. Weekly markets further enhance the local shopping experience, with events held on Wednesdays and Fridays in both Hoddesdon and Waltham Cross.

As of the 2021 Census, Broxbourne’s population stands at approximately 99,000, reflecting a 5.8 per cent increase since 2011. The borough’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was estimated at £2.7 billion in 2021, highlighting its robust economic landscape. Employment data from the year ending December 2023 indicates an employment rate of 76.1 per cent among residents aged 16 to 64, with an unemployment rate of 4.6 per cent. These figures underscore Broxbourne’s dynamic labour market and its resilience in the face of broader economic challenges.

The Borough of Broxbourne stands as a testament to harmonious growth, blending historical charm with modern amenities and forward-looking developments. Its strategic initiatives, thriving business environment and commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life make it an exemplary model of balanced regional development.