Welwyn Garden City Central & Handside

Welwyn Garden City central sits at the heart of the town in the borough of Welwyn Hatfield. The Howard Centre shopping mall and pedestrianised Howardsgate sit beside the broad, tree-lined Parkway, which runs through the centre and reflects the town’s original garden city layout by Ebenezer Howard. Campus West arts centre and the town library are in the central area, and Welwyn Garden City railway station lies just south of the shopping district, linking the town with commuter routes. The mix of retail, civic buildings and office space gives the centre a steady daytime population.

Handside lies north of the centre and is mainly residential, with local shops, schools and playing fields. Handside Lane and adjacent business areas host light industry and small firms. To the west of the centre, Stanborough Park sits on two lakes formed from former gravel workings on the River Lea; the lakes are used for sailing and watersports and draw walkers and birdwatchers. Cycle and foot routes link Handside with the central shopping area and parkland, supporting short commutes and local leisure.