A Green Network
A network of green routes, travel and places will support healthy lifestyles, biodiversity, climate resilience, environmental sustainability and the wellbeing of local communities.
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Stewardship
Hemel Garden Communities is a development programme that will transform Hemel Hempstead and create attractive and sustainable new neighbourhoods and communities to the north and east of Hemel Hempstead, through the delivery of around 11,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs by 2050.
As the town grows through Hemel Garden Communities, it’s important to ensure that any new community spaces and facilities, like our parks, sports grounds and community centres, are properly looked after for years to come. This is known as stewardship.
There are many different approaches to stewardship of community facilities, they could be taken care of by a local council, or by a private management company, or they may be managed by a local community organisation or project.
What is good Stewardship?
Across the Dacorum and St Albans districts, many organisations are actively caring for the places and spaces around us. Hear them describe what good stewardship means — and why it matters.
Stewardship is key to the original Garden City Principles, which were set out when the first Garden Cities like Letchworth and Welwyn were designed and built more than 100 years ago. The Town and Country Planning Association, who have revised the original principles for the 21st century, recognise the importance of ‘Community ownership of land and long-term stewardship of assets’ tcpa.org.uk/resources/guide-9-long-term-stewardship/
Creating great places to live and ensuring they are well cared for over the long term is a key ambition for Hemel Garden Communities.
As we have developed our approach to stewardship and placemaking, we have drawn on the experience and expertise of successful organisations already delivering lasting benefits for their communities. One of these is the Highfield Park Trust in St Albans, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026. We have worked in partnership with the Trust to create this film, showcasing how effective stewardship can help create thriving, well-managed places that people are proud to call home.
