After years of planning, consultation and investment, Salisbury Square officially opened to the local community on June 12th, marking the completion of one of the most significant regeneration projects undertaken in Old Hatfield for a generation.

Across two days of celebrations, hundreds of residents, businesses, community groups and local stakeholders gathered to mark the opening of a development that brings new homes, commercial space, enhanced public realm, landscaping and community facilities to the heart of Old Hatfield.

But Salisbury Square is about far more than new buildings.

It represents a long-term commitment to the future of Old Hatfield and a determination to restore a thriving centre for community life.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Jorge Mendonça, Chief Executive of Gascoyne Estates, reflected on the unique nature of the project and the determination required to bring it to life.

“This is a project that many developers simply would not have taken on.”

Complex, challenging and requiring significant long-term investment, Salisbury Square was never about delivering a quick commercial return. Instead, it was driven by a desire to create something lasting for Old Hatfield – a place where people can live, work, meet and spend time together.

That commitment was visible throughout the opening weekend, as residents, businesses and visitors came together to celebrate a new chapter in the area’s history.

A Vision More than Twenty Years in the Making

Whilst the construction itself has taken place over the past 18 months, the origins of Salisbury Square stretch much farther back.

Opening Friday’s ceremony, Lord Salisbury reflected on the Old Hatfield he remembered growing up in during the 1950s and 1960s – a bustling centre filled with independent businesses, local services and community life.

“We remember the National Westminster Bank, the fishmonger, the greengrocer and all sorts of other shops as well. This was a thriving, bustling community.”

As the town changed over the decades, much of that activity disappeared. But the ambition was to create a new focal point for business and community life.

“One of the things that we were determined to do was to see whether we could rebuild that.”

That ambition ultimately became Salisbury Square.

Lord Salisbury paid tribute to Anthony Downs, whose original vision helped shape the project more than two decades ago, as well as the many architects, planners, contractors, consultants and community representatives who have contributed to its delivery.

The project has required persistence, patience and long-term commitment from everyone involved.

As Lord Salisbury observed, reaching this point has often felt like “wading through treacle”, but the result is a development designed not only to respect Old Hatfield’s heritage but to help secure its future.

A Celebration of Community

The official opening ceremony took place on Friday, 12th June, bringing together more than 300 guests from across Hertfordshire and beyond.

Hosted by Jorge Mendonça, the event welcomed local businesses, community organisations and partners who have played a role in the development’s journey.

Alongside Jorge Mendonça and Lord Salisbury, speeches were given by the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Michal Siewniak; Bishop Rob Gillion, Chaplain to Lord Salisbury; and Joe Sharp, Operations Director of Boom Construction.

Attendees also included Lady Salisbury and family; the Mayor of Hatfield, Councillor Nike Fakoya; Robert Voss, Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire; Andrew Lewin, MP for Welwyn Hatfield; Oli Clegg, Managing Director of Boom Construction; members of the Board and Trustees for Gascoyne Estates; and representatives from the Old Hatfield Residents Association.

The ceremony provided an opportunity not only to celebrate the completion of the project, but also to recognise the many individuals whose efforts have helped bring Salisbury Square to life.

Lord Salisbury paid tribute to Boom Construction, architects Brooks Murray, local artist Tom Hill, the landscaping team, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, and the wider Gascoyne Estates team.

Particular thanks were reserved for the residents of Old Hatfield.

“You’ve had to put up with barriers around this square for at least a couple of years now. You must have thought that we were never going to see the end of it, so thank you for your patience.”

The ceremony concluded with the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Michal Siewniak formally opening Salisbury Square, marking the beginning of its next chapter.

Designed with the Community

A defining feature of Salisbury Square has been the role that local people have played in shaping its development.

Throughout the planning process, residents, businesses and community groups were invited to contribute ideas, feedback and local knowledge through extensive consultation and engagement.

Lord Salisbury highlighted the importance of this collaborative approach.

“We believe that the only way in which you can make developments in places like this is by doing so with the support of friends and neighbours, people who live in our community.”

Many local people participated in workshops and consultation exercises that helped inform the final design of the square and its surrounding buildings.

“If this is going to succeed, you have to feel this is a place where you belong and where you will naturally gravitate.”

That principle remains at the heart of Salisbury Square.

The development has been designed not simply as a collection of buildings, but as a destination and gathering place for the wider community.

A Square Filled with Life

If Friday’s ceremony celebrated the completion of the project, Saturday’s community open day demonstrated exactly what Salisbury Square was created to achieve.

Throughout the day, families, residents and visitors explored the new public spaces, enjoyed live entertainment, visited community stalls and spent time together in the square.

Children played in the landscaped areas and interacted with the development’s public art, while local organisations and businesses engaged with visitors throughout the afternoon.

Families relaxed on the lawns, neighbours stopped to talk, and community groups welcomed new visitors.

The atmosphere was warm, welcoming and optimistic.

Perhaps most importantly, the square immediately began to fulfil its intended purpose. People gathered, conversations happened, children played, and neighbours met.

The public space became exactly what it was designed to be – a place for people.

Celebrating Local Heritage

At the heart of Salisbury Square sits a striking sculpture by local artist Tom Hill.

Comprising thousands of individually cast oak leaves, the artwork celebrates the area’s heritage while creating a distinctive focal point for the new public realm.

The sculpture is just one element of a wider landscape design that combines accessible green space, seating, planting and pedestrian-friendly public areas.

Together, these features create an environment that encourages people to spend time in the square, whether meeting friends, attending events, supporting local businesses or simply enjoying the surroundings.

The development reflects Gascoyne Estates’ belief that successful places are created not only through architecture and construction, but through thoughtful placemaking and long-term stewardship.

Looking Ahead

While the opening weekend marked the completion of Salisbury Square, it also marked the beginning of its future.

The development is set to become a hub for community activity, local businesses and public events throughout the year.

Among the first of these is the new Old Hatfield Farmers Market, taking place on the third Sunday of each month and bringing together a carefully curated selection of local producers, artisans and independent traders.

As new businesses move into the area and community events continue to grow, Salisbury Square will play an increasingly important role in supporting the vitality and prosperity of Old Hatfield.

Reflecting on the project, Lord Salisbury spoke of his hope that the square would once again become a place where people naturally gather, reconnect and spend time together.

Looking around during the opening weekend, with hundreds of people filling the space, exploring the new surroundings and embracing the opportunities it offers, it was clear that vision is already becoming a reality.

Salisbury Square is more than a development.

It is a new chapter for Old Hatfield – shaped by its community, rooted in its history and built for generations to come.