South Oxhey Central dedicates new buildings to local heroes

A naming ceremony has taken place in honour of three much-loved local figures. Councillor Len Tippen and Jack and Barbara Elliott have been commemorated at South Oxhey Central, the £172m regeneration scheme being developed by Countryside, one of the UK’s leading home builders specialising in placemaking and regeneration, and Home Group, one of the UK’s largest providers of high-quality housing, health and social care.

Following recommendations from Watford Rural Parish Council, Tippen Court commemorates the late Councillor Len Tippen, who represented South Oxhey on the Three Rivers District Council for a number of years, while Elliott Court has been named to recognise the late Jack and Barbara Elliott for their contribution to the creation of the Oxhey Jets Football Club.

The two blocks are located in the first phase of the South Oxhey development and were fully occupied earlier this year.

To mark the occasion, a formal naming ceremony was held at the development and attended by family members of Councillor Tippen and of Mr and Mrs Elliott, as well as by District and Parish Councillors, the South Oxhey Community Board and representatives from Countryside and Home Group.

Mike Woolliscroft, Managing Director, Partnerships South (West), Countryside, said: “We are so proud to honour the dedication of Councillor Len Tippen and Jack and Barbara Elliott to South Oxhey who played an integral role in shaping the South Oxhey community. While we look to the future, we always celebrate the past and recognising these people that have done so much for the area is extremely important in achieving this.”

Sara Bedford, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, added: “I knew Len as a colleague for many years and held him in high regard. He was a real character, who worked hard for residents across South Oxhey. I also know John well and have huge respect for the work of the Elliott family over fifty years within the local community.” The Tippen family commented: “It’s a great honour for our family to have this beautiful apartment block named after Len. He would have been very proud to have his name remembered in this way in the town he loved and represented for many years.”

John Elliott said: “On behalf of our whole family I’d like to thank the Parish Council for suggesting this honour be placed on the family name to respect our parents’ work, and thanks to Three Rivers District Council for authorising the nomination. The Jets have grown considerably from those days and made a positive impact on the estate. We are a very proud family, thank you.”

South Oxhey Central, which is transforming this Hertfordshire neighbourhood, will consist of 514 new homes and in excess of 55,000 sq ft of commercial space, set across two acres of landscaped parks and public spaces. To date 140 new homes have been delivered, including 48 for social rent and 21 for shared ownership.