Watford Riverwell is a £500m GDV urban mixed-use regeneration scheme transforming 70-acres of brownfield land on the edge of Watford town centre. Delivered by a 50:50 Joint Venture (JV) between Kier Property and Watford Borough Council. , the scheme is three-years ahead of its original 20-year business plan. Of 15 phases to be delivered by the JV, eight have been completed, with one currently on site and two more commencing this autumn.
"The Watford Riverwell project is transforming an old industrial site near Watford town centre into a vibrant community along the River Colne. This pioneering 20-year partnership between the Watford Borough Council and Kier Property has delivered high-quality mixed-use homes (including affordable), award-winning infrastructure, and a riverside park - making it a model for sustainable urban regeneration. Watford Riverwell is not only revitalising the area but also supporting the potential redevelopment of Watford General Hospital, bringing long-term benefits to the town."
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor
Our 360 approach in action
When the original connector contractor went into administration, Kier Property and Kier Construction came together to ensure the delivery of the townhouse phase was not put at risk. Through proactive joint decision-making, shared resources and clear communication, both parties aligned around a single objective: completing the homes on time, to budget and to the high design and sustainability standards set at the outset.
This true collaboration ensured continuity across the build programme. Kier Property and Kier Construction established a joint governance framework that allowed swift problem solving and agile responses to emerging challenges. By doing so, they safeguarded not only delivery but also the integrity of the design intent.
As a result, all townhouses were delivered on schedule and within budget. The homes are now fully occupied, with 100% sold into private ownership and the affordable housing was successfully handed over in September 2025 to Watford Community Housing.
The scheme represents a benchmark in sustainable regeneration: the homes were designed with energy efficiency, durability and community integration in mind. Kier Property and Kier Construction’s partnership extended beyond handover, with both organisations working together on aftercare, providing residents and housing partners with a responsive service to ensure long-term satisfaction and value.
This phase demonstrates how collaboration in adversity can produce not just successful delivery, but also lasting outcomes for residents, stakeholders and the wider community.
