re:shape secures planning for Clarendon House co-living

24 July 2025 by Bea Patel

re:shape and Ideal Holding Group have secured planning approval from Watford Borough Council for the Clarendon House co-living scheme. It will be the town's first co-living development.

Designed by Claridge Architects and refined following extensive community consultation, the scheme will deliver an 18-storey building featuring 210 community-focused homes adjacent to Watford Junction. Rents range between £1,300 and £1,600 per month.

Residents will enjoy re:shape’s signature penthouse for everyone, alongside co-working spaces, fitness and wellness facilities, and landscaped communal areas to foster connection and wellbeing.

Adjustments in design - including reduced building height, lighter materials and enhanced street-level landscaping – generated strong support from both planners and the public.

“The UK’s housing crisis, especially for younger people, requires embracing both traditional and innovative housing models as part of the wider solution. We’re excited to bring a new co-living community to Watford, anchored by a Discount Market Rent (DMR) product dedicated to key workers, local residents, and singles on the council’s waiting list. We thank Watford Borough Council for their being pragmatic and forward-thinking throughout the process – and supporting housing innovation in the Town.”

Jermaine Browne, Co-Founder, re:shape and ARK Coliving

Grounded in third-generation co-living principles, the Clarendon House development proposal will provide a sustainable, inclusive housing solution tailored to the needs of Watford’s modern urban workforce across a wide range of affordability levels.

The co-living development was approved one week after the Council formally adopted its new co-living: Standards and Requirements SPD and Affordable Housing: Developer Contributions SPD on 15 July 2025.

As part of the pairs social impact commitment, re:shape and Ideal Holding Group will establish a £120,000 Entrepreneurs Innovation Fund to be managed in partnership with Watford Chamber of Commerce.

The fund will support 12 Watford-based start-ups, charities and aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, local community groups will benefit from free use of the building through a Community Investment Programme (CIP).