Watford Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council have started a new series of street improvements on Queens Road in Watford, Hertfordshire, to make the area cleaner and safer for residents. The project, announced in March 2026, aims to improve the look of the historic shopping street while making it easier for people to walk through the town.
The work includes a deep clean of the pavements, jet washing, and upgrades to the local street lighting. New anti-slip treads are also being fitted to the steps in the area to help prevent falls and improve safety for shoppers.
Alongside the repairs, a new photographic display titled The Broadway Montages has been put up in the local subway by photographer Dave Parker. This digital artwork celebrates the history of the street and the independent shop owners who have helped shape the community over the years.
One of the local figures featured in the artwork is the late Stanley Leard-Freeman, who ran a music shop on the street for more than 60 years. Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, supported the project as part of an ongoing plan to refresh different parts of the town centre.
These upgrades are part of a wider scheme to improve several local locations, including King Street and Market Street. The council is focused on keeping the independent spirit of the town alive while making secondary shopping areas more attractive for visitors.
