Dacorum Investment Partnership gains Cabinet approval
Dacorum Investment Partnership, a long-term collaboration between Dacorum Borough Council and award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group, has reached a significant milestone with the approval of its first Investment Plan by Cabinet at a meeting held on 3 February 2026.
The equal public-private partnership has been established to deliver high-quality new homes, support regeneration, and generate long-term income streams for the Council. It combines the Council’s strategic place leadership with Hill’s expertise in planning, design, placemaking and commercial management.
The approved Investment Plan sets out a coordinated development programme across the borough, identifying priority sites and establishing a clear framework for progressing development in a structured and efficient manner. The plan supports Dacorum’s long-term growth and regeneration objectives, with a strong focus on delivering affordable housing and mixed-use development.
Cllr Sally Symington, Leader of Dacorum Borough Council, said, “The approval of this first Investment Plan represents a significant step forward for the partnership and Dacorum. It provides a clear route for delivering regeneration and housing growth in a way that is both commercially robust and socially responsible, supporting our ambitions for the borough’s long-term sustainability.”
Tom Hill, Managing Director for The Hill Group, comments, “This first Investment Plan provides a strong foundation for the Dacorum Investment Partnership. By working collaboratively with the Council, we can bring forward high-quality sustainable developments that respond to local needs, while delivering long-term value for the borough.”
A central focus of the partnership will be to support the regeneration of Hemel Hempstead town centre into a thriving cultural, commercial and residential hub. Alongside this, the partnership will progress neighbourhood sites across the borough, maximising opportunities for affordable housing and mixed-use regeneration.
Three council-owned sites in Hemel Hempstead have been prioritised in the inaugural investment plan. Collectively, they offer opportunities to deliver new homes, support regeneration, and contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.
The former Civic Centre represents a strategically important town centre redevelopment opportunity. The site offers the potential for a high-quality development that supports the Council’s vision for a more vibrant, welcoming and sustainable town centre. Early feasibility work indicates the potential to deliver over a range of affordable and market sale homes, subject to planning permission.
Cherry Bounce, to the north of the town centre, will also look to deliver affordable and market sale homes within a landscaped led development to help meet local housing needs.
The Water Gardens Car Parks occupy a prominent and strategically important location between the residential neighbourhoods along Leighton Buzzard Road and Hemel Hempstead town centre. The Council is currently commissioning a Masterplan for the town centre, and Dacorum Investment Partnership will support this process by undertaking initial feasibility studies on the car parks site. Any development proposal will be brought forward as part of the development of this Town Centre Masterplan. Importantly, consideration will be given to future parking requirements, including for the proposed Hemel Health Campus on Market Square. Any development proposals would also consider the preservation of the historic water gardens, which the Council maintains at Green Flag status.
Approval of the Investment Plan now allows the partnership to progress to the next stage, including design development and pre-application engagement on the Civic and Cherry Bounce sites. This will include consultation with the local community to ensure views are taken into account as proposals are developed.
Each development will deliver wider benefits for the local community through the partnership’s Social Value Plan. This includes creating apprenticeship, training and employment opportunities for local people, working with local schools, colleges, and employment providers, and supporting local businesses wherever possible.
The partnership will also look to invest in community initiatives, promote inclusive and accessible design, encourage walking and cycling, and deliver environmental benefits, such as improved green spaces and increased biodiversity. Together, these commitments will help ensure the partnership delivers not just new homes, but lasting benefits for communities across Dacorum.
