A planning application has been submitted to Stevenage Borough Council for the redevelopment of The Forum in the town centre. 

The proposal would see the amount of retail space halved, with four new laboratories and a multistorey car park constructed. There would also be a garden square between the new buildings. 

The Comet: Plans include a micro-cinema at The Forum in Stevenage. Image: Reef GroupPlans include a micro-cinema at The Forum in Stevenage. Image: Reef Group (Image: Reef Group)

Reef Group are the developers leading the project, which is expected to cost £120m. The planning application states that the site would support around 1,850 jobs once completed, contributing £98 million per year of economic activity. 

The Comet: Illustrative view of new green landscaped square. Image: Reef GroupIllustrative view of new green landscaped square. Image: Reef Group (Image: Reef Group)

No residential houses or flats would be built under the plans, and the amount of retail space on the site would fall from the current 8,213 square metres to 4,041 square metres. This space would be flexible and double height, with space for a cinema and large restaurant.

The Comet: Illustrative view of how the development could look in its wider context looking from Fairlands WayIllustrative view of how the development could look in its wider context looking from Fairlands Way (Image: Reef Group)

317 spaces will be available in the multi-storey car park, with at least 20 per cent of these providing electric vehicle charging. There will also be space for 122 bicycles. 

The statement of community engagement notes that “subject to planning permission, initial works will start in early 2023”. Permission from the council’s planning and development committee is required. 

You can view the planning application documents on the council’s website.