Dear Residents,
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden has been working closely with Hertfordshire County Council to redesign the local cycleway improvements required as part of the recent Studio expansion. The scheme includes more than 3km of cycleway upgrades, providing segregated footway and cycle facilities from Hill Farm Avenue along Aerodrome Way to the A41, where the route joins Gypsy Lane. It will also continue around Gadeside, under Ashfield Bridge and up onto Ashfields.
New Toucan crossings
Four new Toucan crossings will be introduced at the following locations:
• Across Aerodrome Way, north of Warner Drive;
• Across Aerodrome Way, between Warner Drive and Studio Tour Drive;
• Across Gadeside, south of the Studio Tour Roundabout; and
• Across the A41 Watford Road, near the new LIDL store.
Wider route connections
These improvements will connect the Studio with proposed cycle route upgrades along Hunton Bridge Road towards Watford, which the Studio is partly funding.
Together, the works will make it easier for local residents to cycle around the area and connect to longer-distance routes.
Programme of works
Works on the public highway will be delivered in phases:
• Phase 1: September 2026 to June 2027
• Phase 2: Mid 2027 to late 2027
• Phase 3: Early 2027
As Phase 1 covers an extensive area, works will be undertaken in sections. We will contact residents close to these sections with more detailed information about what will happen and when. The timelines for Phases 2 and 3 are indicative at this stage.
Verges, planting and environmental benefits
As part of the works, some existing roadside verges will need to be cut back and cleared. This work is scheduled to take place in September, after the bird nesting season has ended. The proposals include a comprehensive replanting scheme designed to deliver long-term environmental and visual benefits. Informed by ecological surveys carried out by specialist consultants, the scheme includes a diverse mix of native trees, hedgerow, wildflower and grassland planting.
These species have been carefully selected to enhance biodiversity, support local wildlife and create a more attractive, resilient green corridor. The new planting will provide valuable habitat and foraging opportunities for common bird species, bees and butterflies. It will also provide an additional food source for a range of invertebrates, badgers and small mammals, including foraging and commuting bats.
Over time, the planting will establish a richer and more diverse habitat than currently exists, contributing positively to the local environment, the character of the area and its appearance throughout the seasons. We appreciate your understanding during the construction period and look forward to delivering a safer, greener and more attractive route for the community.
