Spotlight Focus Three Rivers – A great place to live, work and visit

Three Rivers is a small but extremely ambitious district located in south-west Hertfordshire. It’s a place where picturesque countryside, vibrant communities and a rich tapestry of history come together. Named after the rivers Chess, Colne and Gade, which gracefully weave through the landscape, this unique area offers a perfect balance of rural beauty and business opportunity.

Whether you’re exploring the miles of scenic walking trails, enjoying the waterways or discovering local arts and heritage, there’s a sense of calm and connection here that’s hard to find elsewhere.

A lot can change in a year, and that’s certainly true at Rickmansworth Aquadrome.

Over the past year, the Aquadrome project has attracted more than £1.6m in external funding to enhance, nurture and protect this much-loved nature reserve.

Funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Community Infrastructure Levy, HS2 Additional Mitigation Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund has made major improvements possible. The fishing platforms have been rebuilt, a bird viewing platform created and a new entrance area welcomes visitors with improved accessibility. A new logo and branding have also been introduced.

The council has confirmed the presence of 13 nationally significant invertebrate species at the Aquadrome, alongside habitats of principal importance such as wet woodland, chalk streams and hedgerows.

Of particular note is the striking new pedestrian bridge, providing easier access for both walkers and cyclists and significantly improving the entrance from Riverside Drive. Visitors can now walk seamlessly from the bridge to the main pathway. A new raised decking area, offering stunning views over Batchworth Lake, is soon to be completed for all to enjoy.

The journey to protect and enhance the Aquadrome continues. Further collaboration with the Environment Agency aims to better understand water flow across the floodplain and support future funding bids for continued improvements.

The proposed Langleybury Film Hub represents an exciting initiative blending heritage preservation with modern film production needs. Subject to the completion of a legal agreement to enable final approval, it could become a cornerstone of the UK’s film industry, providing state-of-theart facilities within a historic setting.

The 63-hectare estate, anchored by the Grade II* listed Langleybury Mansion, has already been used for over 100 productions, including The Crown, Mission: Impossible –Rogue Nation and Kingsman.

Key features of the development include craft workshop buildings, sound stages, support workshops, production offices, backlots and parking. A dedicated film and television training facility is also planned, in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire and Screen Herts.

Newly released government figures show that Three Rivers District Council continues to improve its recycling rate, maintaining its reputation as one of the best-performing councils in all of England.

Recognised by Defra as a leading authority in household recycling for over a decade, the district is now ranked secondbest in the country, with a recycling rate of 61.9 per cent in 2023/24, just behind South Oxfordshire’s 62.9 per cent.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, the Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue to be one of the best recyclers in England, featuring in the top five for a decade. This, of course, wouldn’t be possible without our residents’ commitment to recycling and their understanding of its importance.

“I also thank our dedicated and professional staff – from our refuse collection, street cleaning and grounds operatives to back-office administrative, engagement and customer service officers – for their hard work in making recycling easier and ensuring our excellent collection services run smoothly.”

The successful completion of Phase 3 of the South Oxhey regeneration marks a significant milestone in the transformation of the area. Representing over a decade of dedicated planning, partnership and delivery, the project has revitalised South Oxhey with a vibrant mix of new homes, commercial opportunities and community infrastructure.

Key achievements include:

• 659 new homes delivered, including 426 market and 233 affordable properties – exceeding the target with over 35 per cent affordable housing

• 253 new jobs created, including 8 apprenticeships to support local employment

• 4,998m² of new commercial floorspace, including South Oxhey’s first supermarket, Lidl

• A strong partnership between Three Rivers District Council, Countryside/Vistry and Home Group, ensuring social and financial sustainability

This regeneration has enhanced quality of life, modernised infrastructure and laid the foundations for a thriving, inclusive South Oxhey. It stands as a strong example of how publicprivate partnerships can deliver long-term value and community benefit.

Music, film and dancing are at the heart of Watersmeet Theatre’s golden anniversary celebrations.

This 515-seat venue situated in the heart of Rickmansworth opened in May 1975. To mark its 50th anniversary, Watersmeet is paying tribute to the iconic 1970s with a packed year-long programme of exciting events.

So far, highlights have included behind-the-scenes venue tours, a ’70s Film Festival, and a Community Fun Day over the May Bank Holiday. Fans of funk and disco took to the dance floor at the electrifying ’70s Disco, while a sold-out Tea Dance hosted by Mr Wonderful brought a bit of old-school charm to the celebration.

The festivities culminate with this year’s pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, starring the nation’s favourite ski jumper, Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards.

The journey to protect and enhance the Aquadrome continues. Further collaboration with the Environment Agency aims to better understand water flow across the floodplain and support future funding bids for continued improvements.