Plans to boost affordable housing and regenerate key locations across Dacorum have advanced after Cabinet signed off the first Investment Plan for the Dacorum Investment Partnership.

The Council's equal public–private venture with award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has been set up to deliver new homes, support renewal, and create long-term income streams to help fund council services. The partnership aims to ensure development is well planned, high quality and delivers tangible benefits for local communities.

The approved Investment Plan outlines how housing and regeneration schemes could be brought forward over the coming years. It identifies priority sites and sets out a clear, structured approach to guide projects that underpin the borough's long-term growth.

Cllr Sally Symington, Leader of Dacorum Borough Council, said: "I am committed to creating a place where people are proud to live, work and spend time. The approval of our first Investment Plan marks an exciting moment for Dacorum. It sets out how we can accelerate the delivery of much-needed affordable homes and wider regeneration that genuinely benefits our communities. Through this partnership, we are not just planning new developments, we are building vibrant, high-quality places that people are proud to call home."

Tom Hill, Managing Director for The Hill Group, said: "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."

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A key focus will be transforming Hemel Hempstead town centre into a more vibrant place to live, work and visit. Alongside this, the partnership will explore neighbourhood sites across the borough to maximise affordable housing delivery and local improvements.

Three council-owned sites in Hemel Hempstead have been highlighted as initial priorities. Together, they present opportunities to deliver new homes, drive regeneration and contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of the town centre and nearby neighbourhoods.

The former Civic Centre site is a strategically important town-centre redevelopment opportunity with potential for a high-quality scheme that aligns with the Council’s vision for a more welcoming and sustainable centre. Early feasibility work indicates scope to deliver a range of affordable and market sale homes, subject to planning.

Cherry Bounce, north of the town centre, could bring forward affordable and market sale homes within a landscape-led development to help meet local housing needs.

The Water Gardens Car Parks occupy a prominent location between residential areas along Leighton Buzzard Road and the town centre. A Town Centre Masterplan is being commissioned, and the Dacorum Investment Partnership will support this process by carrying out initial feasibility studies for the car parks site. Any proposals will be developed through the Masterplan, with careful consideration of future parking requirements, including for the proposed Hemel Health Campus on Market Square, and of the preservation of the historic Water Gardens, which are maintained to Green Flag status.

With the Investment Plan in place, the next stage will include early design work and pre-application engagement on the Civic Centre and Cherry Bounce sites. This will involve consultation with residents and local businesses to gather views and help shape emerging proposals.

Each scheme will also deliver wider community benefits through the partnership’s Social Value Plan. This includes creating apprenticeships, training and employment opportunities for local people, working with schools, colleges and employment providers, and supporting local businesses where possible. The partnership also intends to invest in community initiatives, promote inclusive and accessible design, encourage walking and cycling, and improve green spaces and biodiversity—ensuring the programme delivers not only new homes but lasting benefits for communities across Dacorum.