UK: Plans for an 18-storey coliving tower with 210 studio units next to Watford Junction are expected to secure approval next week.
Watford Borough Council’s planning committee will vote on the proposal for the former Clarendon House site on Bridle Path on Tuesday, 22 July.
Planning officers have recommended approval, with the final decision pending committee review.
The scheme, led by coliving operator re:shape and developer Ideal Holding Group, was initially proposed as a 19-storey tower before being revised in June.
The updated design reduces the building’s height by 11 metres and features a lighter brick tone, additional openings, and enhanced landscaping at the base.
The changes followed community feedback and have been met with more positive responses, according to council reports.
The development will target single professionals aged 20 to 40, with inclusive rents between £1,300 and £1,500 per month.
Residents will have access to shared kitchens, workspaces, and amenities, with individual units smaller than typical studio apartments. The minimum tenancy will be three months.
Between 42 and 74 units will be offered at a discount of 20 to 35 per cent below market rents for eligible tenants under an agreement with the council.
The car-free scheme includes a £250,000 contribution towards local highway improvements and a £120,000 entrepreneurs innovation fund to support 12 Watford businesses.
The former office building on the site was demolished in 2019, and the site has remained vacant since.
Re:shape co-founder Jermaine Browne previously stated that the project aims to enhance the local environment with best-in-class architecture while delivering long-term benefits to the community.
The project is separate from Kosy Living’s planned 363-unit coliving development at the opposite end of Bridle Path, highlighting Watford’s emerging co-living pipeline as demand for flexible, community-focused urban housing continues to grow.
Highlights:
– Plans for an 18-storey, 210-unit co-living tower in Watford are expected to gain council approval next week.
– The car-free scheme targets 20–40-year-old professionals, with rents from £1,300–£1,500 including bills.
– Revised plans reduced height and improved design following community feedback.
– Up to 74 units will be discounted by 20–35 per cent below market rents for eligible tenants.
