An “eyesore” building will be demolished and replaced by a part eleven-storey, part six-storey office.

Watford Borough Council granted permission for Seven Capital to knock down Gresham House in Clarendon Road, Watford, on Wednesday evening.

The new building will comprise of offices and a café on the ground floor.

There will be parking, predominantly in the basement.

The site already had permission granted back in 2017 but the scheme also included 59 flats. This revised scheme will have no residential units.

Watford Observer:

The proposed office will be 11 storeys from the front, stepping down to six at the back, and will be at the heart of Watford’s business district.

Councillors expressed it was “refreshing” to see a scheme which did not include homes.

Cllr Steve Johnson said: “Gresham House is an eyesore and needs replacing, It is refreshing there is nothing residential as part of the scheme. This is a good thing for Clarendon Road. Employment is our first priority in this area.”

Gresham House, which is vacant.

Watford Observer:

Cllr Nigel Bell said office buildings were the "purpose" for Clarendon Road while Cllr Mark Watkin says the new build has the ability to become a “landmark” for Watford.

The plans were unanimously passed.

The developer will pay a contribution of £94,000 towards road improvements.