Today, the Hertfordshire Growth Board (HGB) made up of Leaders from Hertfordshire’s borough and district councils, Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Futures, Police and Crime Commissioner and Herts & West Essex Integrated Care Board wrote to Baroness Taylor of Stevenage expressing interest in being a trailblazer for strategic planning outside of Mayoral areas.
The Board has been actively engaged in strategic planning over the past two years, including exploring new settlements and is committed to delivering quality and sustainable housing and job growth. The Board is therefore keen to discuss the potential for Hertfordshire to become a strategic planning trailblazer and explore options to deliver the government’s growth and housebuilding agenda in Hertfordshire in ways that deliver affordable, high quality and sustainable homes in the right locations.
View our letter from the Board to Baroness Taylor of Stevenage.
>> HGB Letter
Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Cllr Jeremy Newmark, has been elected as the Chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board (HGB) at the formal board meeting (July 17).
Cllr Newmark, who became Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council in May 2023, is joined by Mayor Peter Taylor, Leader of Watford Borough Council and Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council as Vice Chairs.
The new Chair replaces Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council.
Of his new position, Cllr Jeremy Newmark said:
“I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board. Growth across our county is something I am passionate to see thrive. We are ready to work with the Government on the barriers we face in Hertfordshire and to deliver our Missions on housing, transport, economy, sustainability, healthy and safe places, and digital inclusion that will benefit all residents, businesses, and communities for years to come.”
Speaking on the new appointments, Forogh Rahmani, Director of HGB said:
“I look forward to working with Leader Cllr Jeremy Newmark in partnership with all members of HGB to deliver the Missions, so that all Hertfordshire’s residents, communities and businesses benefit from economic growth, and living standards are improved.”
In tribute to Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, Cllr Newmark said:
“I would like to thank Cllr Richard Roberts for his leadership in bringing together the County, District and Borough Councils with the NHS, Police, business, and government to launch a Vision and Missions that will see us deliver good growth across the county over the next decade and beyond. I know that he will continue to play a seminal role in that process.”
To learn more on the Hertfordshire Growth Board visit:
Openreach has announced today that it is upgrading a further 20 towns and villages in Hertfordshire as part of its commercial investment in digital infrastructure across the UK.
Residents living in Berkhamsted, Much Hadham, Tring and 17 other local communities are next in line for Full Fibre and the roll out supports Hertfordshire County Council’s and the Hertfordshire Growth Board’s Digital Access For All mission that aims to ensure every Hertfordshire resident has access to best-in-class connectivity by 2050.
Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council and Chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board said:
“As our digital landscape continues to grow, both Hertfordshire County Council and the Hertfordshire Growth Board are thrilled to see Full Fibre rolled out to even more residents and businesses. We continue to work with Openreach and other telecoms companies throughout the county, ensuring everyone has access to the information and assistance they need. Together, we will empower our communities to thrive in an increasingly connected world.”
Kieran Wines, Openreach’s regional director for the East of England said:
“This is a huge infrastructure success story across the region. No company is building faster or further in Europe, that we’re aware of.
“We won’t be stopping either. We plan to build even further across the region, to more cities and towns, and our most rural communities.
“And our engineers, of which 3,000 live in the region, are doing this at a rapid pace – despite this being a hugely complex engineering project.
“Our fibre checker has the latest information about our work in your area, but only 27% of premises in Hertfordshire which can order a new ultrafast service have done so, as upgrades aren’t automatic. Once Full Fibre is available where you live, you’ll need to place an order with a provider of your choice to get connected and we’ll do the rest!
“Openreach’s network offers the widest choice of providers such as BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone and Zen – which means people have lots of choice and can get a great deal.”
Cllr Ben Crystal, Leader of East Herts District Council said:
“We are delighted to see this Full Fibre roll-out reach further into our district. Becoming better connected within and between our communities will improve the day-to-day lives of our residents, whilst also creating greater opportunities for local businesses to engage with innovative technologies and modern practises.”
Openreach has also refreshed its online map and postcode checker to give a clearer, regularly updated view of its plans and progress between now and 2026.
The map now shows the levels of current and future expected full fibre coverage as of today, taking data from all of its build programmes, whilst the postcode checker continues to offer the most personalised view of the connectivity available to an individual home or business.
Further updates will be provided as any additional locations are added in future.
The locations in Hertfordshire:
- Barkway
- Berkhamsted
- Much Hadham
- Puckeridge
- Stanstead Abbotts
- Tring
WasteAware’s “Herts Sustainable Families” discount scheme, offered as part of the county’s Waste Partnership has been highly-commended in the “Best Local Authority Recycling Initiative” category at the prestigious Awards for Excellence in Recycling & Waste Management.
The Awards for Excellence in Recycling & Waste Management celebrate outstanding achievements and innovative initiatives in the field of recycling and waste management. The recognition of Herts Sustainable Families underscores the council’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The trio of schemes within the Herts Sustainable Families banner encourage residents to choose reusable items instead of single use products by offering a 15% discount on reusable nappies, sustainable period products and washable incontinence products. Around 2,500 residents have already taken advantage of the scheme, purchasing items from across 19 suppliers, including local companies, major retailers and brand leaders.
Receiving a high commendation recognises the exemplary leadership demonstrated by the WasteAware team and dedication to promoting waste reduction initiatives within Hertfordshire. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, the initiative has successfully provided free period products to those in financial hardship and engaged in training for 56 teachers on the benefits of sustainable period products, ensuring they included as mainstream options when menstruation is discussed in school. Two further training dates are booked for June.
Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council said:
“We are thrilled to be highly commended in the ‘Best Local Authority Recycling Initiative’ award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the support of our community. We are committed to continuing our efforts to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Hertfordshire.”
The success of Herts Sustainable Families campaign highlights the importance of local authority initiatives in driving positive environmental change and promoting sustainable practices amongst residents. By promoting education, awareness, and practical solutions, the initiative has contributed significantly to the county’s efforts to minimise waste and drive reusable options as a standard way of living to protect the environment for future generations.
Hertfordshire Waste Partnership’s Herts Sustainable Families continues to lead by example in promoting recycling and waste management best practices, inspiring communities to embrace sustainability, and making a meaningful impact on the environment.
Cllr Eric Buckmaster, Executive Member for Environment, Hertfordshire County Council said: “It’s so good to see the progress being made in this particular area of activity and the success of the team in promoting awareness and benefits of these sustainable products.”
For more information about the Herts Sustainable Families discount, WasteAware and its initiatives, visit:
www.wasteaware.org.uk/families
As the world marks the International Day of Forests on March 21, Hertfordshire stands proud as a testament to the integral relationship between nature and mental wellbeing. The county’s lush green spaces, from ancient woodlands to sprawling parks, not only harbour rich biodiversity but also serve as sanctuaries for mental wellness and advocates for active travel.
Hertfordshire’s forests, such as the Ashridge Estate, Heartwood Forest, and Cassiobury Park, are invaluable reservoirs of biodiversity. Hertfordshire’s diverse landscape boasts a myriad of green spaces, ranging from expansive woodlands to urban parks, each playing a vital role in supporting biodiversity. These green corridors serve as habitats for a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, preserving the county’s natural heritage and enhancing its ecological resilience. Through strategic planning and sustainable development, the Hertfordshire Growth Board is committed to safeguarding these green assets, ensuring their continued protection and enhancement for future generations to enjoy.
In addition to their ecological significance, Hertfordshire’s green spaces offer huge benefits for good mental health and wellbeing, providing residents with opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation amidst nature’s tranquillity. Research has shown that spending as little as 20 minutes a day in green environments can alleviate stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. As a Growth Board mission – Healthy and Safe Places for All – the Hertfordshire Growth Board understands the importance of incorporating green infrastructure into urban planning initiatives, creating vibrant and inclusive spaces that promote wellbeing and quality of life for all.
Furthermore, Hertfordshire’s green spaces serve as catalysts for active travel, encouraging residents and visitors to embrace sustainable modes of transportation while enjoying the county’s natural beauty. From scenic walking and cycling routes to green corridors connecting urban centres, these initiatives promote physical activity, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the overall health and vitality of our communities. By investing in active travel infrastructure and promoting environmentally conscious transportation options, the Hertfordshire Growth Board aims to create a more sustainable and resilient transportation network that meets the needs of both current and future generations.
Forogh Rahmani, Director of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, said: “As we mark the International Day of Forests, we celebrate Hertfordshire’s green spaces as invaluable assets that contribute to the health, prosperity, and wellbeing of our residents and communities. Through collaborative efforts and forward-thinking initiatives, we are committed to preserving and enhancing these green corridors, ensuring that Hertfordshire remains a vibrant and sustainable place to live, work, and thrive.”
To read more about Hertfordshire Growth Board’s Vision and Missions.
Vision and Missions
For enquiries contact Luke Fisher, Senior Campaigns Officer.
Email
Hertfordshire is now the number one destination in the UK for film and TV – and with the 96th Academy Awards taking place this Sunday it is clear to see why major movie moguls are choosing the county as the place to make movie magic.
With its stunning countryside, sprawling mansions and a plethora of heritage sites, Hertfordshire is often seen on screen in the movies. However, it’s the production magic that takes place across the five major studios situated in the county that is helping propel the county of opportunity into a golden era of film making – Elstree Studios, Warner Bros Studio Leavesden (WBSL), Sky Studios, BBC Studioworks and the newest proposal Sunset Studios in Broxbourne.
Two of the top three performers at the UK and Ireland box office were produced at WBSL, which is situated just outside Watford. According to the British Film Institute (BFI), Barbie earned £95.6m in box office revenue, while Wonka starring Timothée Chalamet and Olivia Colman came in third, grossing £58.4m. This has made the county the economic hub for the filming of many of today’s biggest TV shows and Oscar nominated movies.
Partnerships through the Hertfordshire Growth Board, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), district and borough councils and the Hertfordshire Film Office is testament to how Hertfordshire County Council is working with the creative sector to make it easier to do business here.
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and Chair of Elstree Studios, said: “These are exciting times for the film and TV industry and, here in Hertsmere, we are right in the heart of the buzz!
“Within a short distance of our Civic Offices in Borehamwood are the council-owned Elstree Studios; BBC Elstree where Eastenders is based and Sky Studios Elstree where they’ve recently been filming the new Wicked movie. Positioned right in between is Elstree Screen Academy where talented young people are honing their skills across a whole range of disciplines and we hope that many will go on to work in the industry in the future.
“Of course the contribution this makes to our local economy is substantial as well as the opportunities it brings for local jobs.
“More broadly it is exciting to be working with partners across Hertfordshire to promote and support the industry.”
Not only is Hertfordshire the paramount pick for studio time but it is also a thriving centre of educational excellence with the Elstree Screen Arts Academy (ESA) and the University of Hertfordshire producing the next generation of home-grown film makers.
Students at ESA can study a wide range of courses, including creative media production, film studies, production crafts like set and prop design, as well as hair and makeup artistry. Students have had amazing opportunities working on major productions like The Crown, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and Paddington 2.
The University of Hertfordshire has a film and television programme which is in the top 20 for film production nationally, delivering industry ready graduates into the workplace. The university has close partnerships with leading industry figures. Former students have been winners of many prestigious television awards, with many going on to gain employment with leading companies and broadcasters such as BBC, Endemol, ITV and Sky.
With incredible education and employment opportunities on the doorstep and further investment planned over the coming years, the future looks bright for the county’s burgeoning creative industries.
Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader, Hertfordshire County Council, and Chair, Hertfordshire Growth Board said: “Hertfordshire has a rich heritage in filmmaking from Star Wars to Paddington, Saving Private Ryan to Band of Brothers. This is the golden age for Hertfordshire, spearheading skills development and driving job creation.
“It takes an army of different tradespeople and a diverse range of talent to produce a film. Thanks to our co-ordinated approach, working hand in hand with industry, we can ensure our residents and businesses are poised to benefit.”
New facilities that have been built in the past two decades include Sky Studios at Elstree, which sits on a 32-acre site, just off the Borehamwood exit of the A1, it has as many as 14 stages, covering 20,000sq ft, all using the latest in cutting edge technology. It is estimated that the studios could create over 2,000 new jobs.
Our county has a long history of film and TV excellence. Elstree Studios is world renowned and hugely successful and has been in existence for over 90 years. It has been the studio of choice for many legendary producers and directors with memorable films such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Elstree Studios has also produced TV shows including The Crown, Strictly Come Dancing and The Voice.
A new proposal to Hertfordshire is Sunset Studios, a US franchise that has produced movies such as La La land and the first X-Men franchise. Backed by a £700m investment, Sunset Studios has developed a 91-acre greenfield site in Broxbourne, it looks to create 4,500 new jobs and it is expected to become the largest film and TV studio campus in the UK. The studios will encompass 25 sound stages and is expected to contribute £300m a year to the local economy.
Last but very much, not least, is the Warner Brothers Studios, set in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, home to the Harry Potter films. Warner Bros has been making films in Hertfordshire for many years and invest heavily in the UK film industry.
