A gateway for a new era in the UK’s first New Town

24 MARCH 2026

As Stevenage approaches the 80th anniversary of its designation as the UK’s first New Town, a once-in-a-generation regeneration opportunity is underway that will redefine the experience for people arriving into the town.

Stevenage Station Gateway will see the creation of 1,000 new homes, up to 60,000 sqm of commercial spaces and create around 1,500 new jobs.

This will be supported by new green space, public areas and improved connections between the station and town centre.

In late 2025, Stevenage Borough Council, supported by the Stevenage Development Board, signed a Development Agreement with Muse supported by ECF, the partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse.

The partnership is now working together to progress work which will create a new district that reflects Stevenage’s growing economy, high growth industries and creates a welcoming gateway that reflects the town’s ambitions.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “The town has a strong track record of attracting high value businesses and supporting SMEs, but to take the town and UK plc to the next level, the town now needs to continue to provide new facilities fit for the 21st Century”.

“The entrance to Stevenage when arriving by rail is unwelcoming and dated – a far cry from the pioneering nature of the town and its businesses,” Henry added. “The development will welcome people to the town and highlight the spirit and community of the UK’s first New Town, bringing our heritage into our future.”

Regeneration and placemaking of this scale require long-term collaboration between public and private partners, which is why Stevenage Borough Council has entered into the agreement with Muse, supported by ECF, to benefit from the partnership’s placemaking capability and investment capacity.

“The world of regeneration is complex and delivering large-scale regeneration, such as that at Stevenage Station Gateway, requires a number of partners who can all bring skills and specialisms,” added Henry.

“The advantage of collaborative working is that so much more can be achieved, and barriers such as lack of expertise can be overcome through combined knowledge and networks.”

Stevenage Station Gateway is also supported by the Stevenage Development Board, which brings together leaders from business, education and the public sector to help guide the town’s economic growth and ensure regeneration aligns with the needs of local employers.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, said the regeneration is about connectivity and supporting the future of Stevenage’s innovation-led economy.

“Stevenage is home to a range of STEM based businesses and products developed here are attractive to worldwide customers, this is one of the reasons why a new Station Gateway is crucial, as it is the gateway to the city for four million passengers every year,” he said.

“This whole regeneration is a great way to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the town and trigger further regeneration of the first New Town.”

The vision for Station Gateway is clear, but to make that a reality requires careful planning, coordination and long-term investment.

Groundwork is already underway including engaging with major employers in the town and progressing the design and planning work needed to unlock the first phase of development.

Andy Howell, Development Director at ECF, says that Stevenage Station Gateway represents the perfect example of the type of complex and mixed-use regeneration that ECF was created to deliver.

“There aren’t many developers that will take on mixed-use projects of this scale. It will be a game-changer for the town centre, but it requires bringing together multiple partners, stakeholders and funding streams to make it happen,” he said.

“A lot of strategic work has gone into getting us to this stage. We’re working closely with the council, Homes England and partners across the town to ensure the development supports the town’s economic growth.”

The early phases will focus on sites around the station that are ready for redevelopment, helping establish the foundations for the wider transformation of the area while improving connectivity across the town centre.

“For us, the opportunity is about improving connectivity, creating vibrancy and delivering high-quality places,” Howell said.

“Town centres today need to support people living, working and spending time there throughout the day and evening.”

As plans progress, Stevenage Station Gateway will play an important role within Stevenage’s wider town centre regeneration programme, creating new homes, jobs and opportunities while supporting the future of the town’s innovation-led economy.

 

The Guinness Partnership celebrates completion of first phase of work at Stevenage town centre site

4 MARCH 2025

The Guinness Partnership, one of England’s largest housing associations, held an event to celebrate completion of work on the first phase of their development at the former Matalan site in Danesgate, Stevenage.

The event was attended by The Guinness Partnership’s Group Chief Executive Catriona Simons who was joined by the House of Lords Minister for Housing and Local Government, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Kevin Bonavia MP and the Mayor of Stevenage, Cllr Jim Brown.

They were also joined by representatives from Stevenage Borough Council including Council Leader, Cllr Richard Henry and the Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Jackie Hollywell. Along with members of Guinness’s senior development team, including Group Director of Development & Commercial Services, Kevin Williams, Lovell Regional Managing Director, Lorraine Casey and representatives from Stevenage Development Board and global consultancy, Turner & Townsend.

The appointed contractors, Lovell Partnerships, have now completed work on the first phase of construction at the prominent town centre site. Planning permission was granted in 2021 by Stevenage Borough Council, for the development of a new high quality residential community designed by award-winning architects Maccreanor Lavington.

The delivery of the new development will take place in phases. The now completed first phase, across two blocks located on the eastern part of the site, consists of 143 one and two-bedroomed apartments for social rent, providing a new and very valuable source of affordable homes located in the heart of Stevenage. It will also include one of the internal landscaped gardens serving the development.

Catriona Simons, Group Chief Executive at The Guinness Partnership said: “We are pleased to see the completion of this important residential-led regeneration project which is very much part of the Borough Council’s ambitions for a vibrant and revitalised town centre. We are grateful for the support and positive approach from Stevenage Borough Council since we first acquired the site, as well as Homes England who have provided grant funding for the project: thank you to all our partners for making these homes a reality in a challenging economic climate.”

Kevin Bonavia MP said: “I’d like to thank the Guinness Partnership, Lovell Partnership and Stevenage Borough Council for their combined efforts to complete Phase 1 of the ‘Matalan site’ development – delivering an initial 143 homes for social rent in the heart of our town centre. The new social rent homes and commercial space will play a key part in the overall town centre regeneration, which is now accelerating post-covid. The homes will help get local people off waiting lists or out of the crowded rental market into good quality housing. Let’s keep matching the aspirations of Stevenage people and build the housing needed now and in the future.”

Cllr Jackie Hollywell, Cabinet Member for Housing at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “This is a fantastic development for Stevenage. The delivery of this first phase provides homes to be offered as affordable tenures, including social rent right in the heart of the town. We are providing for local people, and we look forward to the first tenants moving in. My thanks go to all the partners who have helped to deliver this development.”

Lorraine Casey, Regional Managing Director at Lovell said: “We are proud to have built a high-quality development delivering much needed affordable homes for local people. The new apartments are highly sustainable with features including air source heat pumps and energy efficient fabric, giving a high thermal performance resulting in lower bills for the new residents. We hope the new community enjoy living here for many years to come.”

Additional funding for the first phase of 143 homes was received from Homes England. The overall plans involve the construction of 526 one and two-bedroomed apartments along with 779 sq. m of flexible commercial space located at street level which aims to create active street frontages.

Expansion of Co-Space in Stevenage completed

20 FEBRUARY 2025

Works to expand the premises of flexible office space provider Co-Space in Stevenage Town Centre have been completed.

In 2021, the council converted under-used commercial space into flexible office space for a range of businesses, from single-person start-ups, to established financial services providers. The facility, managed by Co-Space, brought over 300 jobs into the town centre.

Following huge success, the space has now expanded into the neighbouring Town Square Chambers that preside over Event Island. Funded through government’s Towns Fund using funding secured by The Stevenage Development Board, the facility has delivered an additional 900sqm of quality office space to the town centre – equivalent to 150 desks. This encourages new business and associated footfall and spend to the town, whilst refurbishing an ageing building with a 24-hour operator.

Cllr Lloyd Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Transport, comments: “Stevenage Town Centre is undergoing a transformation, introducing a greater mix of uses to benefit both residents and businesses. This includes increasing commercial space, including flexible options to allow businesses to flourish within the town. We are delighted that Co-Space, offering desks and meeting spaces in a smart and spacious interior, have chosen to expand their premises here. This delivers local benefits such as an increase in spend within the town. As Stevenage continues to evolve, we welcome this expansion and thank all of our partners who have helped to deliver this”.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, adds: “The expansion of the Co-Space facility in Stevenage is clear proof that our plans for regeneration of the town are having a positive impact. Refreshing 1950’s buildings is highly sustainable, truly cost effective given the benefit derived and supports the provision of shared office space that is required in the modern age.

“Co-Space has demonstrated a distinctive style for this service and the council has moved quickly and efficiently in the direction of market demand. This extension is yet another example of our commitment to regeneration and supporting residents and businesses”.

Operator Co-Space run offices in Reading, Milton Keynes and Stevenage, with a St Albans office opening soon.

William Stokes, CEO and Co-Founder of Co-Space, adds: “We’re excited to work in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council and ASHE once again to expand our current Co-Space offering, and support the facilitating of 200 new job roles right in the heart of Stevenage. We’re grateful for everyone’s hard work pulling this project together and ensuring we’re able to support local businesses to grow and thrive.”

Delivered by contractor Ashe Group and as part of social value, throughout the construction two previously out of work individuals have been employed and donations made to local charities.

Andrew Morris, Business Development Director at Ashe Group, comments: “Ashe is delighted to have been asked back to undertake the next phase of refurbishment at the Co-Space facility in Stevenage. Being a local contractor, our focus has been on employing local people through our supply chain partners, ensuring that money generated by the construction project is recycled into the local economy.

“It has also allowed us to take on unemployed local people, give them training and prepare them for a future in construction. We have visited local schools and supported local charities as part of our social value commitments for this scheme.

“When complete the project will continue to support the local community in providing an outstanding working environment that will allow businesses to thrive.

“We are incredibly proud assisting in the regeneration of the heart of Stevenage and look forward to future opportunities to continue the good work being undertaken by all partners.”

Car park to temporarily close to facilitate new development

TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2024

Swingate car park in Stevenage Town Centre will be closing from Monday 7 October in order to facilitate the development of the neighbouring Swingate House site.

This closure marks the next stage towards the start of the wider SG1 programme. There is alternative parking provision within the town, including St George’s Way Multi-Storey Car Park (SG1 1EP), that can be used during this closure. Neighbouring properties who use the Swingate Car Park have been contacted separately.  The car park is expected to be closed for at least two years.

The car park will reopen when the new development has been built and will have improved lighting and better access.  The car park will be used as a site compound during the development, secured by hoarding around the site. The access road (spur road), located between the site and acting as the entrance to the car park, will also be closed and will move slightly as part of the works.

The former Swingate House site forms part of the wider SG1 masterplan for Stevenage Town Centre, which in its entirety will deliver new homes, jobs, office and retail space, alongside new public spaces. This specific site will deliver 261 new homes and a ground floor café unit.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “The SG1 masterplan will be transformative for Stevenage, and is a key part of the next stage of the town centre regeneration story to continue to deliver a thriving town for people to live, work and visit. We understand that there will be a level of frustration that the car park has to close, and we would like to reassure residents and visitors to the town that there is alternative parking provision across a number of other car parks”.

The site is being brought forward by Mace, in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council.

All construction activity will take place within the extended hoarding line and the impact to traffic using the surrounding roads will be minimised.

Information on Stevenage car parks can be found via Find a Car Park (stevenage.gov.uk).

Stevenage welcomes new development with topping out ceremony

The Guinness Partnership, one of England’s largest housing associations, held an event to celebrate topping out of the first phase of their development at the former Matalan site in Danesgate, Stevenage – a development which will eventually provide 526 new homes.

To mark this important occasion, Kevin Williams, Group Director of Development and Commercial Services at The Guinness Partnership, was joined by Stephen McPartland MP, Cllr Jeannette Thomas, the Deputy Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, Cllr James Brown, the Deputy Mayor of the Council and Cllr Sandra Barr along with Mick Laws, Regional Managing Director from Lovell Partnerships – the appointed contractors.

The development at the prominent town centre site was granted planning permission in 2021 by Stevenage Borough Council for the provision of a new high quality residential community, designed by award-winning architects Maccreanor Lavington.

The overall plan involves the construction of 526 one and two-bedroomed apartments along with 739 sq. m of flexible commercial space located at street level which aims to create active street frontages.

With funding from Homes England, the first phase of development consists of two buildings providing 143 one and two-bedroomed apartments. All the new homes will be offered as affordable tenures, including social rent, providing new and much needed low-cost homes in the heart of Stevenage.

Kevin Williams, Group Director of Development and Commercial Services at The Guinness Partnership said: “Topping out is a significant milestone in the regeneration of this site which will bring 526 new homes to Stevenage, and we are pleased to be delivering high-quality, affordable housing for the area. We would like to thank our partners on this project, Homes England, Stevenage Borough Council, Lovell Partnerships, Turner & Townsend and Maccreanor Lavington who have all helped us get to this important stage.”

Cllr Jeannette Thomas, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Housing and Housing Development, commented: “This phase of works focuses on the building of affordable homes, and our thanks go to The Guinness Partnership for the speedy delivery of these. Alongside homes, the development brings a wide range of other benefits that will support the town centre, and current and future residents.  Our town centre needs a variety of uses so it can continue to thrive. As a council, we strive to deliver the best for Stevenage and this development is an example of that”.

Mick Laws, Regional Managing Director at Lovell said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the topping out at this latest development we are delivering for The Guinness Partnership. We are making excellent progress in line with our programme and are on target to deliver the much-needed affordable homes early next year.”

The first phase will complete in Spring 2025.

Multi-Storey Car Park adjacent to Stevenage Railway Station opens

The new multi-storey car park adjacent to Stevenage Railway Station is open. The car park is operational 24 hours a day and is a long stay car park.

The new car park provides 622 spaces, an increase from the previous car park that had 339 spaces. There are 30 blue badge spaces, as well as 30 spaces that are available for electric vehicle charging. There is CCTV in the building and cashless pay machines.

In addition to vehicles, there is secure parking for 80 bicycles in a dedicated, covered space adjacent to the car park. There is also space for three larger cycles. This facility is being run by Spokesafe.

A series of Frequently Asked Questions will provide you with information on the facility, including the cycle storage. Please see these below.

Q: What is the tallest vehicle that can enter?

A: The car park has a height restriction of 2.2 m. Vehicles over this height can park in the Railway South car park.

Q: How many electric vehicle points are there?

A: 30 spaces will be immediately available for use by electric cars. There are further car parking spaces that have the necessary infrastructure to be converted to electric vehicle spaces as the demand increases.

Q: How do you pay for electric vehicle charging?

A: Payment is taken through the Blink Charging – EB Go! app, using the same provider as at St George’s multi-storey car park, The Forum car park and on-street on Swingate.

Q: Will the charging points charge all electric vehicles?

A: The charging points will give a charge at up to 7kW via a type 2 socket which is compatible with almost all EVs on the market.

Q: Where are the blue badge spaces located?

A: The blue badge spaces are split across different levels, with most of the spaces at ground level. The car park has two lifts to allow movement between floors. The spaces are located as close as possible to the lifts.

Q: What hours will the lifts be in operation?

A: The lifts are in operation during train running times.

Q: Are there columns throughout the car park?

A: No, the car park contains no columns. This design creates more unobstructed space for individual cars and to allow ease of parking and manoeuvring.

Q: Where is the entrance and exit?

A: The entrance and exit to the car park is on Lytton Way, as it was with the former surface level car park. There are two entrance barriers and two exit barriers.

Q: Does the car park use chip coins like the others in the town?

A: No. The car park uses licence plate registration. This system calculates how long a car has been in the car park without the need for chip coins.

Q: How much does it cost to park?

A: The parking costs are available here: Parking (stevenage.gov.uk). Parking charges are reviewed for all car parks annually.

Q: How do I purchase a season ticket?

A: Information about purchasing a season ticket can be found on our website: Car Park Season Tickets (stevenage.gov.uk)

Q: I have been using a season ticket in another car park. Will it transfer across?

A: As long as the appropriate details have been provided to our car parks team, this will transfer across to the new car park.

Q: Where do taxis collect people from?

A: The taxi rank remains in its usual location and pick-ups and drop offs are not affected. You cannot pick up and drop off in the new car park site.

Q: Are the two-tier cycle stands remaining?

A: The two-tier cycle stands within the taxi rank location remain as they are.

SPOKESAFE SECURE CYCLE STORAGE

Q: What is Stevenage Railway North Secure Cycle Parking?

A: Stevenage Railway North Secure Cycle Parking provides a safe place for bikes to be left, in a secure storage facility operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are 80 spaces available, along with 3 spaces for larger bikes. The facility is covered to protect bikes from the elements.

Specialist operator Spokesafe will manage the storage through its purpose-built app.

Spokesafe provide cyclists with access to a network of secure places to park. The Stevenage facility accepts bikes only, with three spaces for larger cycles.

There is a repair stand available next to the storage.

Stevenage Railway North Secure Cycle Parking (spokesafe.com)

Q: Where is it located?

A: The secure cycle parking is located at the pedestrian entrance of the new multi-storey car park, which is opposite the bottom of the stairs as you exit the railway station towards the taxi rank.

Q: When is it open?

A: The cycle parking is now open. It will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round.

Q: How does it work?

A: Cyclists can gain access to the facility via the Spokesafe app, which you will need to sign up to. When you would like to park your bike, log into the app to request a code to gain entry to the building via a keypad. You should still bring a lock to secure your bike to the stand.

Q: What is the price?

A: Membership costs £10 a month or £1 per day for Pay As You Go bookings. Monthly memberships provide unlimited access to the facility.

Q: Where do you subscribe?

A: You can sign up at www.spokesafe.app. Please note this will require a form of photo ID to complete the registration. All members receive full access instructions once they have signed up.

Q: Do I get a reserved space?

A: Membership provides users with access to the facility and you are not allocated a reserved space. However, Spokesafe monitor usage levels closely and will pause taking on new members should the facility be regularly full.

Q: How long can I leave my bike in the facility for?

A: Bicycles can be left for up to 1 month. Bike dumping is something that Spokesafe monitor. When signing up you will add your bicycle to Spokesafe’s database, and the owners of any bikes which appear to be abandoned will be contacted. If Spokesafe do not hear back from you, the bike will be donated to charity.

Q: What happens if I need help accessing the facility?

A: For general enquiries & questions, please email hello@spokesafe.com.

Spokesafe operate a 24/7 emergency helpline where you can speak to a friendly member of their team straight away. The number is 020 3488 0060.

Morgan Sindall dives into Stevenage Sports and Leisure Hub

Morgan Sindall Construction’s Northern Home Counties business has been appointed by Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) to help deliver a multi-million-pound Sports and Leisure Hub, as part of the town’s wider regeneration plans.

Procured through SCAPE’s National Construction Framework, the project is part of the council’s wider regeneration plans funded by the Government’s Town’s Fund initiative.

Set to be situated adjacent to the main Town Centre Gardens on St George’s Way, it will consolidate Stevenage’s health and wellbeing offering, which is currently positioned across three different sites.

Stevenage Sports and Leisure Hub will be a flexible state-of-the-art facility with swimming, studios, gym space and flexible sports facilities.

Not only will the Stevenage Sports and Leisure Hub deliver significantly improved sports facilities that will promote healthy living for Stevenage residents but it will also provide improved links between The Forum, Town Centre Gardens, Stevenage Old Town, King George V Playing Fields, and residential areas beyond. Throughout construction, local swimming provision will remain in operation.

As part of Morgan Sindall’s Intelligent Solutions approach, the project team will be working closely with SBC to embed sustainability into the design of the facility at all stages.

Morgan Sindall makes a commitment to deliver at least 30% of the contract value in social value to where it is most needed in the communities in which it operates. In line with this, the project team plan to bring its Knowledge Quad to site, exposing young people in Stevenage to career opportunities within the construction industry, which they previously may not have considered.

David Rowsell, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties, said: “We understand the value of community leisure facilities and how they can act as a springboard for better physical and mental health outcomes.

“Stevenage Sports and Leisure Hub will be a new focal point for the town. Having a new state-of-the-art facility with the whole health and wellbeing offering under one roof, will encourage greater levels of participation in sport, delivering improvements to quality of life across Stevenage.

“We are very proud to be working alongside Stevenage Borough Council to deliver its transformational regeneration plans, as it continues to Level Up its town centre.”

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “We are really pleased to have appointed Morgan Sindall to deliver this new Sports and Leisure Hub for Stevenage, with the proposed new facilities modernising and increasing our sports and leisure offering. We need the help of our residents and communities as we progress this scheme, and will be inviting everyone to have their say in the coming months so that the community can help to design a facility with benefits and activities for all. Having recently confirmed Everyone Active as the new operator for our leisure facilities, this is a really exciting time for sports, leisure & culture provision in our town”.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, said: “I can remember the joy and importance attached to our current swimming pool opening in Stevenage and look forward to this new development enhancing our current dated facilities. I am delighted that the Stevenage Development Board secured the funding for this project and what it will mean to so many people. Being specialists in delivering state-of-the-art leisure facilities, we look forward to working with Morgan Sindall in the development of this scheme, further demonstrating the high standards that the Stevenage regeneration schemes is setting.”

Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, added: “We are pleased to be supporting our partner, Morgan Sindall in the delivery of a new sports and leisure hub, bringing much-needed facilities to the community of Stevenage. In addition to utilising sustainable methods, the scheme will provide excellent social value opportunities, helping to create a lasting legacy for many years for the local people.

The Guinness Partnership celebrates start of work

The Guinness Partnership, one of England’s largest Housing Associations, held an event to celebrate breaking ground on the first phase of their development at the former Matalan site in Danesgate, Stevenage.

The event was attended by The Guinness Partnership’s Head of Development Delivery, Denise Mulligan, and Lovell Regional Managing Director, Mick Laws as well as representatives from Stevenage Borough Council and Stevenage Development Board and global consultancy, Turner & Townsend.

Lovell Partnerships, the appointed contractors will be starting construction at the prominent town centre site which was granted planning permission in 2021 by Stevenage Borough Council for the development of a new high quality residential community, designed by award-winning architects Maccreanor Lavington.

Thanks to additional funding from Homes England, the overall plans involve the construction of 526 one and two-bedroomed apartments along with 779 sq. m of flexible commercial space located at street level which aims to create active street frontages.

The delivery of the new development will take place in phases, the first of which being two blocks located on the eastern part of the site facing Danestrete and the top end of Danesgate. Phase 1 will provide 143 one and two-bedroomed apartments and all new homes will be offered as affordable tenures, providing a new and very valuable source of low cost homes located in the heart of Stevenage. It will also include one of the internal landscaped gardens serving the development.

The expected construction programme for the first phase is completion by the end of 2024/early 2025. Future phases are expected to follow from 2025 onwards.

Global professional services company, Turner & Townsend, is Guinness’s Project Manager and Employer’s Agent for the contract, having provided consultancy services throughout the pre-construction design and enabling (including demolition) stages of the project.

Jon Milburn, Group Development Director, at The Guinness Partnership said: “We are pleased to start work on this important residential-led regeneration project which very much complements the Borough Council’s ambitions for a vibrant and revitalised town centre. We are grateful for the support and positive approach of Stevenage Borough Council since we first acquired the site, as well as Homes England who have injected vital financial backing to make this project a reality in a challenging economic climate.”

Mick Laws at Lovell Partnerships said: “We are delighted to be partnering Guinness on this construction project which will create a significant number of jobs on-site. We are supporters of the Considerate Constructors Scheme and will ensure, as we always do, that we engage positively with the local community to minimise construction impacts.”

Jonathan Edmondson, Senior Provider Manager at Homes England, said: “Homes England is committed to supporting partners that have ambitions to build new homes and our investment through affordable housing grant allows us to do that. The development of the Matalan site is clear evidence of the impact our Strategic Partnership with Guinness is having in providing much needed new homes in Stevenage.”

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of the Council at Stevenage Borough Council, said: “It will be great to see work underway on this site, which forms an important part of the overall vision we have for Stevenage town centre. We are transforming the town by introducing new facilities, town centre living, transport infrastructure and activities for all, and our successful partnership working with The Guinness Partnership is helping this to be realised”.

Event Island Stevenage opening on Saturday 29 October

‘Event Island Stevenage’ will make a spooky debut when it opens on Saturday 29 October, with live music, entertainment, and a variety of Halloween themed activities. The new space is located on Danestrete on the site of the former bus station and offers a seasonal programme of events and activities in the heart of the town centre.

Event Island Stevenage will be opening on the same day as Halloween-Tastic 2022. Events taking place include free face painting, scary reptile handling, Halloween themed craft stalls and Harry Potter themed dance performances. The events will be held across the town, including in the Indoor Market, Town Square and Event Island Stevenage.

Cllr Sharon Taylor, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, commented:  “We are so excited to open Event Island Stevenage. This is a space for the community to enjoy, and by activating an area that has historically been largely inaccessible, we are creating a destination that will introduce a variety of uses into the town.  We hope that our residents will enjoy this new space, including all the new greenery and planting that has been introduced. This is the ideal location for many popular events and activities, and I look forward to trying everything that is on offer”.

Cllr Richard Henry, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People, Leisure & Culture, added: “Stevenage has a vibrant arts and culture scene, and Event Island Stevenage will build on this. Whilst we have some activities already planned, there is plenty of further opportunity for communities to get involved and use the space for events and performances. We have listened to ideas as we have programmed events but would encourage groups to get in contact if they wish to use the space!”.

With an activity programme designed in consultation with the local community, Event Island Stevenage offers a green space with new planting, informal play areas, and seating. Celebrating the culture of the town, the space will attract more visitors to the town centre and support our existing businesses.

The space is expected to remain for at least two years before the wider redevelopment begins.

Stevenage Bus Interchange to open on Sunday 26 June

The new Stevenage Bus Interchange on Lytton Way will be opening on Sunday 26 June. The opening will see buses arrive and leave from this date to serve local communities and visitors. From this date, there will be no more services from the existing station on Danestrete.

Designed by Stephen George + Partners (SGP), the Bus Interchange was recently awarded ‘Project of the Year’ at the Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire Constructing Excellence Club Awards 2022. The awards highlight design and innovation in construction.

Construction on the new facility began in late 2020, funded by a £9.6 million Local Growth Fund Investment from Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Passenger experience is a key focus, with modern facilities such as a climate controlled waiting area with seating, live passenger information boards, a fully accessible toilet and changing facilities, in addition to further unisex toilets with baby changing facilities. A café and shop will additionally be coming soon.

Visitors to the town centre will see an improved public environment with new granite planters, paving and additional seating areas, improving the walkway from the town centre to the Bus Interchange. This includes seating and newly landscaped areas with planted trees and wildflower meadow areas with bulbs to add colour, but also performing a vital role as part of a sustainable drainage strategy. The project has also delivered new coach stands along Lytton Way – a new facility including shelter, seating and live information boards. The new landscaped cycle and walking routes connect the railway station, coach stands and the new Interchange to the Town Centre.

Cllr Sharon Taylor OBE, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: “This is a really exciting development for Stevenage, offering our communities and visitors an improved bus experience right in the centre of the town. The opening of the award-winning Interchange brings with it modern facilities, an improved public realm and increased accessibility between our main transport hubs. Furthermore, this marks a pivotal moment in our wider regeneration programme, as we look ahead to a proposed new development at the soon-to-be vacant bus station site on Danestrete. We are delighted to have a confirmed opening date and would like to thank all of our partners for helping us to achieve this”.

Cllr Lloyd Briscoe, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Enterprise and Transport at Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “We are creating a sustainable travel hub for Stevenage of which the Bus Interchange is a key element. Together with the Interchange, the new multi-storey car park – which is under construction and will include spaces for electric vehicle charging and secure storage for bikes – and the railway station will offer residents and visitors a number of ways to travel”.

Live passenger information boards have been installed within the Interchange, providing real time information as to the status of services to and from the town. These will enable passengers to better plan their travel and be kept informed in real-time regarding their journey.

Adam Wood, Head of Infrastructure & Regeneration and Herts IQ Programme Manager at Hertfordshire LEP, said: “We see this as a game-changer for Stevenage. The Bus Interchange marks the next major step in the reinvigoration of the town centre and demonstrates the importance of carefully targeted public investment to secure major private sector regeneration schemes. We very much welcome the improved connectivity that this new transport Interchange will bring to Stevenage, both for those already travelling around the town and to encourage more people to come for work and leisure.

“The LEP invested £9.6m Local Growth Fund in the Interchange which is a key element of our £34m Local Growth Fund commitment towards the town’s regeneration, which is already providing new homes, public amenities, and retail and business space to maximise the town’s economic potential. We look forward to seeing Stevenage evolve!”

Accessibility between the main transport hubs and town centre has been enhanced, with level access pedestrian crossings across Lytton Way. This provides an alternative route to the bridge.

Simon Mathieson, Area Operations Director – Midlands & South from Arriva, the primary bus operator using the Stevenage Interchange, added: “We are pleased that the new Stevenage Bus Interchange is completed and ready for use, we are excited to see our passengers enjoy the brand-new facilities that this investment into the local transport network will have on them.”

A planning application has been submitted to the local planning authority for proposals to transform the current bus station on Danestrete when the Bus Interchange opens and the existing station becomes vacant.