New Development in Hemel Hempstead

Dacorum Borough Council has marked the progress of a new development in Hemel Hempstead which includes 56 new homes for social rent and a new headquarters for homelessness charity, DENS.

The site on Paradise Industrial Estate is a brownfield site close to the town centre. The DENS community hub which will include the borough’s foodbank and a community cafe, is due to be completed in September 2026 with the homes completed early in 2027.

Mayor of Dacorum, Cllr Catherine McArevey, councillors, Darren Welsh, Dacorum Borough Council’s Chief Executive, the Council’s Housing team, DENS and Bugler Developments representatives went to the site to see the progress which has been made. Wendy Lewington, CEO of DENS, took part in a ceremonial bricklaying to mark the progress.

The new homes, a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, will fulfil Dacorum Borough Council’s ongoing commitment to meeting local housing need. Homes England has provided £7 million in funding for the development. The vision is to create a desirable place to live and work, support our partners as they deliver services to those in greatest need and to encourage community cohesion.

Cllr Simy Dhyani, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Property Services said: ‘It’s fantastic to see how the development has come since work began earlier this year. I know how many local people are struggling to find a secure, affordable home, and that’s why this development matters so much. These 56 new social rented homes will give families and individuals in Hemel the stability they deserve, close to schools, shops and transport. This project is about more than housing. The new headquarters for DENS will bring their foodbank and services under one roof, and the community café will offer real work experience for local people. It’s going to be a place that not only supports those in need but also brings people together. As a councillor, but also as a member of this community, I feel proud that we’re creating something that will make such a difference to people’s lives here in Hemel. This is about giving people hope, opportunity and a better future.’

Wendy Lewington, CEO of DENS, said: ‘We’re delighted to celebrate this major milestone in the development of our new DENS Centre – a welcoming hub for those in our community facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion. Here, people will find vital support and services that empower them to rebuild their lives and move towards independence. This project is a testament to the powerful partnership between Dacorum Borough Council and DENS, working together to make a lasting difference in our community.’

Jeremy Graham, Chief Operating Officer at Bugler said: ‘On behalf of the team, it was a pleasure to welcome attendees from across the Council and DENS to the site. Today marked an important step in the delivery of these 56 new affordable homes and a new centre for DENS in Hemel Hempstead. It was fantastic to celebrate the excellent progress made to date with the site, client and wider project team and we look forward to continuing this through to completion.’

The properties will be allocated in line with Dacorum Borough Council’s Housing Allocations Policy, prioritising applicants who meet the defined criteria: local connection ensures properties are let to those with the greatest housing need, supporting the development of sustainable communities and contributing to the aims of the Preventing Homelessness Strategy.

To ensure the development creates a healthy place to live and work, sustainability and energy measures include Air Source Heat Pumps and Electric Vehicle Charging Points.

For more information about the Council’s ambitious new build programme, visit www.dacorum.gov.uk/newhomes.