Derelict Buildings

McMullen's plan to redevelop the town's derelict riverside yards in a new scheme that includes a new library for the town and sixteen flats and maisonettes.

Detailed proposals submitted to East Herts District Council last week also include a lifting bridge linking Old Cross to Bull Plain.

The plans were welcomed by Mayor Richard Ovendon and Colin Harris, chairman of the Town Centre Management Board.

McMullens plans include:

• Demolishing existing delapidated buildings
• A Disabled-friendly, ground floor library
• 10 two-bedroomed maisonettes
• 6 two-bedroomed studio flats
• A bascule footbridge behind The Woolpack Public House
• New public open space behind Maidenhead Street

Hertfordshire County Council, who run The Library, have yet to commit themselves to the plan, although McMullen's have worked closely with the County Librarian. The future of the existing library building in Old Cross, which was built about 100 years ago, is unknown.

Previous Plan Rejected

In 1999, Hertford brewers McMullens revealed plans for the redevelopment of the town's reverside yards, including Barber's Yard to the north of the river, and Adam's Yard and Dolphin Yard to the south. The scheme included new homes in the Grade II listed maltings and a footbridge across the river near to Mill Bridge.

The plans for the bridge however, were rejected by the Inland Waterways Association because it is too low for barges to pass underneath. The association wanted to see a Port of Hertford, with crafts moored up as far as The Csatle Hall.

Background

Hertford's riverside yards are probably one of it's best kept secrets. Lying in the heart of the town centre behind Maidenhead Street and Old Cross, the yards and their maltings are virtually unused and present a prime opportunity for redevelopment. This was recognised in a Planning Brief published by East Herts District Council in 1997. Covering Nicholas Lane, Maidenhead Yard, Adam's Yard and Dolphin Yard, the document states "This brief offers the opportunity to reappraise the planning of the area and consider how it can be redeveloped in a sympathetic and appropriate way".

Photos

These photographs were taken shorty after McMullen's submitted plans for redevelopment in April 2001. Click on a picture for a larger image.