The Arches

Development Overview

The Arches is a fully completed new build development by St William, a subsidiary of the nationally-recognised Berkeley Group, located at Lower High Street in Watford, Hertfordshire (WD17 2AW). The scheme consists of 92 contemporary suites, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments set within two five-storey buildings, situated on the banks of the River Colne. Berkeley Group is known for its focus on brownfield regeneration and high-quality construction, having been named the UK’s Top Homebuilder for Build Quality by HomeViews, achieving a score of 4.15 out of 5.00 and winning Gold for Best Large Housebuilder at the WhatHouse? Awards 2024.

Property Details

The development comprises 92 apartments, with unit sizes ranging from approximately 433 sq ft to 805 sq ft. The apartments, designed to maximise natural light, all feature a private balcony or terrace. Interior specifications include stylish, designer-fitted kitchens equipped with Bosch integrated appliances and composite stone worktops. Bedrooms are fitted with bespoke built-in wardrobes, complete with mirrored sliding doors to the principal bedroom. Bathrooms are finished to a high standard with floor-to-ceiling tiling and modern chrome fixtures. Apartments benefit from a 999-year leasehold.

Communal facilities include secure underground residents’ parking, bicycle storage, and lifts to all floors. The Arches incorporates a strong focus on outdoor living and sustainability, featuring an intelligent, eco-friendly rain collection system, energy-efficient appliances within each home, and communal landscaped gardens, including the resident-only 'The Heritage' and 'The Finch' gardens, which feature communal Wi-Fi for outdoor working.

Location Benefits

The Arches offers strong commuter links, positioned just an eight-minute walk from Bushey Rail Station. Direct rail services run frequently, providing a swift connection to London Euston in approximately 19 minutes and to London St Pancras International in 36 minutes. Road access is excellent, with close proximity to the M1 and M25 motorways, facilitating travel to Luton Airport in around 24 minutes and Heathrow Airport in 31 minutes. Local bus services are accessible from nearby stops, including routes 8, 142, and 258.

The location provides access to Watford’s amenities. The vibrant Watford High Street and the Atria shopping mall are roughly a 10-minute walk away, offering a wide selection of retail, supermarkets (including a Tesco Extra), and dining options such as Ocean Bells Coffee and Bill's Watford Restaurant. Nearby green spaces include Oxhey Park and Waterfields Recreation Ground. For families, the development is conveniently located near highly-rated educational establishments, including Watford Grammar School for Girls and Watford Grammar School for Boys, both of which hold an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating.

Practical Information

The Arches development was completed in 2021. The original sales price range for the 1- and 2-bedroom apartments was documented between approximately £321,000 and £495,000. All new build homes in this collection are currently listed as sold out by the developer. Prospective buyers interested in this specific development should enquire with local estate agents for potential resale opportunities. The lease term is 999 years with service charges estimated at approximately £2.35 per sq ft, and ground rent ranging from £250 to £350 per annum.