Watford Borough Council (WBC) will next month start the search for a joint venture partner for its £200m Town Hall Quarter regeneration project.

WBC is looking to convert its Town Hall into an office building and redevelop the Colosseum theatre “to make it more sustainable, financially and environmentally”. There will also be new homes incorporated into the scheme to pay for the theatre upgrade.

This month it put together its consultancy/design team: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Mace Project Management, IoN Consulting, SFK Consulting.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “The Town Hall Quarter is an exciting opportunity for the right developer to join us to create a distinct and exceptional scheme right in the heart of Watford. 

“We are looking for a partner who can blend a good understanding of heritage with leading edge design and innovation, working with us to deliver our ambitions for a thriving, prosperous and welcoming town”.

Feilden Clegg Bradley associate Colin Cobb added: “Watford Town Hall and Colosseum are perfectly poised to be at the centre of the town’s developing cultural quarter. We look forward to working with Watford Borough Council to explore the role of a contemporary Town Hall as a meeting place, a civic, commercial, artistic and social hub for the community.”

Watford Council took over operations at the Colosseum in December 2020.