Plans to transform the Merton Meadow area of Hereford into an “urban village” have been unveiled by Herefordshire Council. The area, currently a mix of car parks and scrubland, is slated to accommodate up to 400 new homes for key workers, senior citizens, and others. However, addressing the frequent flooding in the area is a priority before any construction can begin.
To mitigate the flooding, a series of new attenuation ponds will be constructed to manage severe flooding events. The first pond will replace an underutilized car park north of the Yazor brook, with a second pond to be built near the city medical centre. The third pond will occupy part of the former Essex Arms site, alongside new public boardwalks and private housing.
Following the appointment of a main contractor, a planning application for the ponds is expected by the end of the month, with construction potentially commencing in September. The council aims to gather input from residents and businesses to determine the development of the remaining areas, focusing on creating a vibrant and dynamic environment rather than just a residential complex.
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The council also intends to proceed with plans for a multi-storey car park at the County Bus Station, ensuring no immediate loss of parking in the city. Additionally, the decision has been made to exclude student accommodation from the rebuilt south stand at Hereford FC’s Edgar Street stadium, a property owned by the council, as the concept is deemed unfeasible.
This transformation is set to bring significant changes to the city center, reinvigorating the Merton Meadow area and offering new housing options for various demographic groups.