168-192 High Street
Berkhamsted
Welcome
Welcome to the consultation site for the proposed development at 168-192 High Street, Berkhamsted. Here, you can learn about Sorbon Estates and our plans to enhance this site for the benefit of Berkhamsted’s residents and community.
Following positive discussions with Dacorum, the Town Council, and local stakeholders, we’re excited to share our vision for the future.
Your feedback is crucial as we refine our proposal, and we invite your input and support.
Please visit regularly for updates as the project progresses.
The current site
In 2023, Sorbon Estates acquired a key site on Berkhamsted’s High Street, presenting an opportunity to revitalise this central area.
The current buildings lack architectural significance and don't reflect Berkhamsted's unique character. The rear view from Water Lane Car Park is unappealing, and the popular walkway between the train station, schools, and High Street could be more inviting.
Our proposal for 168-192 High Street aims to enhance the town centre’s character and vibrancy, introducing modern amenities that respect Berkhamsted’s historical charm.
The Vision
Improving the High Street
The High Street
We aim to:
- Revitalise the outdated buildings with a high quality design that honours Berkhamsted’s heritage.
- Enhance the High Street with attractive ground-floor shopfronts.
- Introduce a new leisure space for community enjoyment.
- Add contemporary residential apartments to enrich town living.
Fronting water lane car park
We aim to:
- Transform and enhance the view from Water Lane car park.
- Create an inviting public courtyard.
- Enhance the landscape with new greenery to boost biodiversity.
- Add a new mixed use building featuring modern retail space to stimulate local commerce.
Key principles
Homes
We aim to provide high-quality, energy-efficient apartments that are well-connected and sustainable.
Sustainability
Our homes will use renewable energy and a fabric-first approach to minimise energy needs and reduce carbon footprint.
CHARACTER
We plan to better integrate the site into the High Street, capturing the unique charm of Berkhamsted.
Green Space
We will promote a biodiverse landscape, enhancing the public realm and overall placemaking.
Destination
Our goal is to improve the retail offerings, ensuring the High Street remains a popular and prominent local destination.
Community
The design will encourage interactions among residents, businesses, and the public, seamlessly blending with the Berkhamsted community and local amenities.
Re-use
We see an opportunity to retain the existing building structure and active ground floor, saving embodied carbon and supporting the High Street's vibrancy.
Connections
We aim to create a layout that ensures safe, convenient, and comfortable movement for pedestrians and cyclists, whilst also respecting the successful market setup.
Timeline
MAR 23
Site purchased
JAN 24
Planning in progress
MAR 24
Initial consultation with Council
MAY 24
Consultation with key stakeholders
AUG 24
Public consultation website
SEPT 24
Public exhibition
OCT 24
Planning application submission
2026
Build commencing
(STPP)
Q&A’s
Coming soon...
Following the Public Exhibition on 26th September, we are compiling the frequently asked questions from the event and reviewing the feedback forms submitted. Once all the information has been assessed, we will update this Q&A section accordingly.
Who are
Sorbon Estates?
As a long-term investor with extensive experience in urban regeneration, Sorbon Estates has been transforming spaces since 1974. We specialise in revitalising underused urban areas, turning them into vibrant, sustainable communities.
Our diverse portfolio includes over 300 commercial properties across the South East, ranging from retail spaces and residential lets in market towns to commuter-friendly offices, parking spaces, and marinas along the River Thames and Grand Union Canal. We excel in developing sensitive in-fill projects on brownfield sites, breathing new life into neglected spaces.
Previous projects
Waterside Quarter
Maidenhead
Waterside Quarter is the final phase in the exciting regeneration of the Chapel Arches area, creating a desirable new neighbourhood in the centre of Maidenhead. The final phase delivered 182 new homes and over 17,000 sq ft of retail space.
BEFORE
AFTER
31-33 High Street
Maidenhead
In the vibrant heart of Maidenhead, we revitalised a classic 1960s building, transforming its aesthetics and functionality. Our development introduced two modern retail spaces at street level, while additional floors were added to create 10 stylish new apartments, blending contemporary design with the building’s original character.
BEFORE
AFTER
Thameside
Windsor
Just a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle, we transformed a 24,000 sq ft 1980s office building into an exclusive residential development. This ambitious project converted the space into 24 contemporary apartments and 4 elegant townhouses, offering modern living in a historic setting.
BEFORE
AFTER
Windsor House
Marlow
In the charming town of Marlow, we reimagined a 1970s building, transforming it into a vibrant mixed-use development. The project introduced a spacious 6,000 sq ft retail unit, while 13 stylish, modern apartments with underground parking were added, offering a perfect blend of convenience and contemporary living.
BEFORE
AFTER
Feedback
We hope you like the vision we have proposed for 168-192 High Street, Berkhamsted. Our team would like to hear your views and ideas, please click on the link to share your comments.
Please send all feedback via the form or email by midnight Thursday 10th October 2024.
Public Exhibition
Thank you to those that attended our public exhibition on the 26th September. It was great to meet you all, hear your thoughts on the proposal and listen to your feedback.
For those unable to attend our public exhibition in person, the exhibition boards can be downloaded below:
