Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council secures funding to build 67 new homes on brownfield land

By Luke Fisher, Communications Lead, Hertfordshire Growth Board

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is set to receive over £240,000 from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as part of the government’s £68m initiative to unlock brownfield sites for housing development. This funding will enable the council to transform Howlands House in Welwyn Garden City, used to provide temporary accommodation for residents, into a vibrant new community space, addressing the local housing crisis and boosting the economy.

Howlands House once provided temporary accommodation for residents waiting to be assessed or given alternative housing due to homelessness, but now over 40 years later the site is unusable due to its condition. This means redevelopment can make provision for 67 modern temporary accommodation properties for families and individuals in need, plus a staff office, children’s play area, parking, and landscaping.

The funding, secured by the Hertfordshire Property Partnership (HPP) through HM Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2), will cover the costs of decontamination, clearing disused buildings, and improving infrastructure such as internet, water, and power.

HPP has worked with district and borough councils to successfully secure over £2.6 million in BLRF funding from government overall. The money will be used across seven sites in Hertfordshire with two already completed. The remaining five sites are expected to deliver approximately 662 homes and are all part of regeneration projects in the county.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the government’s commitment to a brownfieldfirst approach to housebuilding, stating, “This funding for councils will see disused sites and industrial wastelands transformed into thousands of new homes in places that people want to live and work.

“Our brownfield-first approach will not only ramp up housebuilding but also create more jobs, deliver much-needed infrastructure, and boost economic growth across the country.”

Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook added, “The funding announced today will support the delivery of thousands of new homes and boost economic growth by unlocking development on scores of abandoned, disused, and neglected urban sites across the country.”

Cllr Max Holloway, Leader, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council said: “It’s great to receive this funding from the Government which will help us bring forward the delivery of a key project in our Affordable Housing programme - and importantly provide for better temporary accommodation for local people in their time of need.”

“Howlands House is an important development, keeping local families together at times of huge distress and uncertainty. It’s currently in a really poor state and I’m really excited that, thanks to this funding, we can kick start it’s much needed redevelopment.”

Sajida Bijle, Chief Executive, Hertsmere Borough Council and Chair of HPP said: “Securing over £2.6 million in BLRF funding represents a significant achievement for the Hertfordshire Property Partnership. This collaboration with district and borough councils is set to transform seven key sites across the county, with two projects already completed. The remaining four sites will deliver approximately 662 homes, contributing to the ongoing regeneration efforts within Hertfordshire. This funding is a testament to our commitment to enhancing community infrastructure and providing much-needed housing solutions.”

Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board: “This injection of funds by the government, including £240,000 for Welwyn Hatfield, is fantastic news for Hertfordshire as a whole. It’s an investment in meeting the county’s housing needs, ensuring we have the infrastructure to support families and individuals in need, while revitalising a key area. This will only bolster the extent to which Hertfordshire contributes to the national growth mission.”

Angie Ridgwell, Chief Executive, Hertfordshire County Council said: “The transformation of Howlands House marks a significant step forward in addressing our local housing needs. This funding will provide quality modern temporary accommodation and also support regeneration of the area for the community to enjoy.”