Planning permission has been given to a landmark £60 million development in a prime city centre site.

St Albans City and District Council is developing the area near the Alban Arena, on the site of the city’s former police station and an NHS clinic.

Three designs drawn up by architect firms were put before residents in a major public consultation last year.

The most popular concept, which included a stunning commercial building adjacent to a housing block, was then chosen.

Detailed plans for the design went before the council’s Planning Referrals Committee last month with permission for the work being granted.

The run-down buildings that stood on the site have already been demolished and preparatory ground works are near completion.

Work to construct the new buildings is scheduled to begin by the late spring with the main contractor being Morgan Sindall.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: How the new City Centre Opportunity Site South development will look (photo St Albans Council)How the new City Centre Opportunity Site South development will look (photo St Albans Council)

There will be a residential block adjacent to the commercial with the buildings separated by a pedestrian walkway. The site is on the corner of Victoria Street and Bricket Road.

Altogether, there will be 93 new homes including 60 for sale at market price to and 33 for social rent.

There will also be around 6,000 square metres of business space and 100 car parking spaces.

In keeping with the council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the design is energy efficient and sustainable.

Among the features air source pumps which absorb heat from the outside air as a renewable energy source to provide heating and warm water.

There will also be green and brown roofs as well as a green wall, electric vehicle charging points and thermally-efficient construction materials.

Councillor Robert Donald, Portfolio Holder for Commercial, Development and Wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted that the plans for the development of this crucial City Centre location have finally been approved. We will now be able to move forward immediately with this ambitious development despite the challenges of the pandemic and start our programme for the regeneration of the Civic Centre area with this major part of the site.

“The design that gained planning permission received by far the largest backing from the public who gave their views on the architectural competition we held at a series of extensive consultation events and an online survey last year.

“This redevelopment scheme will also meet our commitment to deliver high-quality developments that are sustainable and eco-friendly.

“This design right in the heart of our city has the wow factor that many members of the public thought was missing in the previous design. It will include an iconic building on the corner of Victoria Street and Bricket Road and provide an attractive landscaped entrance from Victoria Street. When built I believe it will be seen as a magnificent addition to St. Albans’ heritage for future generations to enjoy over many decades.”

The architects for the project are Space & Place and Pick Everard with Colour providing the landscaping plans.

Estate agents Rumball Sedgwick acted as planning consultant.