The third most sought-after place to live for commuters in the south-east
Being located at the south-western end of Hertfordshire, one of England’s affluent ‘home counties’ Three Rivers is already a very prosperous and desirable area. Situated only 20 miles north-west of London and with excellent road and rail links, yet within a stone’s throw of attractive and tranquil countryside, some 80% of the region is designated green belt land.
The property market in the Three Rivers district is booming, with residential property in the area currently well above the national average. The market has seen rises of nearly 8.4% in the last year and prices have risen 24% over the last five year period. It is encouraging, therefore, that the district has a higher rate of home ownership than the national average.
The region’s employment situation is also very encouraging, with 20% more higher and intermediate managerial, administrative and professional households than average. The region currently houses 1,400 businesses, generating in the region of 37,000 jobs locally. The largest employment sector in the district is the financial and business services and associated IT sectors.
Three Rivers is also a major centre for the UK film industry, being home to one of the Warner Brothers’ studios. Other major employers include Skanska, Imagine Technologies and Camelot, along with many diverse smaller businesses. Three Rivers is under the umbrella of the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, an organisation that aims to develop an ‘evergreen infrastructure’ whilst focusing on the welfare and development of businesses and the economy of the region. That means Three Rivers property investment is perfect/a commuter belt property.
Economy & Employment
Three Rivers has recruited 160 new nurses and is expecting to create 13,000 new jobs.
Watford General Hospital recently opened their new Tudor Ward, providing 26 new beds and they are recruiting 160 nurses. This is in addition to the recent grant to fund a new Birthing Centre and other upgrades and improvements.
Over £200 million in funding has recently been secured by the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, to be invested in infrastructure, businesses and skills within the county by 2021. It is estimated that this funding will help deliver 16,000 additional homes and 13,000 new jobs for the wider region. The region’s strategic economic plan is to provide encouragement for local businesses, with infrastructure plans centring on the M1 and M25 transport corridors. The redevelopment of the South Oxhey region is also in the pipeline.
Investment
Regeneration of the former gasworks site will provide much-needed accommodation for Three Rivers.
Plans are under discussion for the redevelopment of the former gasworks site in Rickmansworth. This joint venture between the developers and the National Grid is set to include over 60 apartments of varying sizes on the site.
Thanks to recent Government investment in buildings and new schools, over 2,500 new school places have been created locally and the Westfield Academy is to receive a £20 million rebuild. Additional development and regeneration are scheduled for the area, with a new Morrison’s store as well as a proposed hospital, new school and much-needed housing. In an effort to alleviate traffic congestion, part of the region’s new infrastructure will include a 400-metre viaduct, that will run from Croxley Lane and over the Watford dual-carriageway. That means Three Rivers property investment is ideal for you if you're looking for a commuter belt property for your portfolio.
Transport
Air: London Heathrow Airport is only 15 miles away by road, giving superb worldwide connectivity to the region. Luton Airport is a 22 miles away, and Stansted & Gatwick Airports are 50 & 54 miles respectively
Rail: The district’s train services are provided by Chiltern Railways, London Midland, London Overground and the Metropolitan Line of the London Underground. Services from the region cover central London, as well as most of the UK. There are plans to extend and improve local rail connectivity, which will further boost the desirability of the area.
Bus: Operators including Arriva Shires & Essex, Red Eagle and Carousel and others operate regular and extensive Bus services to and from the region.
Road: The district is dissected by the M25 Motorway and connections to both the M1 and the M40 Motorways give excellent connectivity with the whole of the UK.
Education
There are 21 primary schools, 7 secondary schools, 2 special schools, 6 independent schools and 1 College in the Three Rivers and Watford area.
Over 2,500 new school places have been created in Watford recently and include 120 extra primary places at 2 schools. The brand new UTC secondary school was also opened and another school the Westfield Academy is to receive a £20 million rebuild.
Further Education: West Herts College is the only FE College in Watford, it offers a great range of qualifications from full-time and part-time career-focused courses and in-demand apprenticeships, foundation degrees and HNDs that are highly valued by employers.
Higher Education: The University of Hertfordshire is the has 50 academic departments and 24 research centres. The university has a unique history in training aerospace engineers. It also offers courses in architecture, astronomy, business, computing, education, engineering, humanities, natural sciences, pharmacy and social sciences and has an annual turnover of £234m. amenities that you would expect. Located a short drive away in neighbouring Watford is the multi-floor town centre shopaholic’s dream of into Watford. With its glass roof and a large number of outlets, it is a popular destination for many.
Shops & Leisure
Shopping: Rickmansworth itself is a small town, with all the regular amenities that you would expect. Located a short drive away in neighbouring Watford is the multi-floor town centre shopaholic’s dream of into Watford. With its glass roof and a large number of outlets, it is a popular destination for many.
For food-lovers of every kind, there is something to tempt your taste-buds, with a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and gastropubs. Zaza in Church Street has fabulous Italian food, reviewers comment on the great ambience and attentive staff.
Culture: The people of the region have much to keep their interest during their leisure time, from canal barge trips, golf courses and cycle trails, to nearby Cassiobury Park and other attractions.
