Borehamwood: British Hollywood

Home to a number of television and film studios, Borehamwood is a well-established commuter suburb of London. It has been dubbed “British Hollywood”, on account of how many shots of its streets are included in a wide variety of much-loved UK films.Borehamwood is a well-established commuter suburb of London. It has been dubbed “British Hollywood”, on account of how many shots of its streets are included in a wide variety of much-loved UK films.

However, there’s far more to this area than anonymous semi-detached houses and other suburban staples. Major investments have recently brought new life to Borehamwood, and are responsible for enriching the range of homes on offer, as well as diversifying the local high street.Borehamwood, and are responsible for enriching the range of homes on offer, as well as diversifying the local high street.

Location and transport

Although it is 12 miles from Charing Cross, there are regular fast trains from Borehamwood and Elstree Station, which is in Zone Six, to Central London, Wimbledon and Sutton, as well as Bedford, Gatwick and Brighton. Bus links to the area are also good, and the A1 runs just to the east of Borehamwood, with the M25 only two miles away.Borehamwood and Elstree Station, which is in Zone Six, to Central London, Wimbledon and Sutton, as well as Bedford, Gatwick and Brighton. Bus links to the area are also good, and the A1 runs just to the east of Borehamwood, with the M25 only two miles away.

It’s easy to see why Borehamwood has long been regarded as a prime location for commuters, particularly now that there are only a few film studios left, meaning that relatively few people are locally employed.Borehamwood has long been regarded as a prime location for commuters, particularly now that there are only a few film studios left, meaning that relatively few people are locally employed.

History and local interest

The first mention of Borehamwood is found in 1188, when it was granted to a local abbey. It remained a sleepy and rural village until the beginning of the 20th century, when the beginnings of the television industry brought workers to the area.Borehamwood is found in 1188, when it was granted to a local abbey. It remained a sleepy and rural village until the beginning of the 20th century, when the beginnings of the television industry brought workers to the area.

The area saw its next major expansion in the wake of World War Two, when many Londoners displaced by the Blitz were resettled there, and much of Borehamwood as it exists today was built during this period.

Amenities

Ongoing developments mean that the local high street is vibrant and constantly changing. National chains are well represented, particularly in the new Borehamwood Shopping Park, and the move away from an economy dominated by discount retailers, takeaways and bookmakers seems to be well and truly over.Borehamwood Shopping Park, and the move away from an economy dominated by discount retailers, takeaways and bookmakers seems to be well and truly over.

There are plenty of good schools in the area. For primary-age pupils, there is Meryfield Primary School, Monksfield School and Cowley Hill School, all of which are rated good by Ofsted. Older children can attend Hertswood Academy (rated good), or the Yavneh Academy, a relatively new Jewish faith school that is already performing well.

For those who choose private education, the prestigious Haberdashers’ Aske’s Schools (which are separated by gender) are also located in the area, providing both prep, pre-prep and senior education. An outstanding 100 per cent of the girls’ school attain five or more GSCEs at A* to C grade, and famous former pupils include Sasha Baron Cohen, Vanessa Feltz, Simon Schama and Matt Lucas.

BorehamwoodBorehamwood is also home to plenty of green spaces, such as Woodcock Hill Village Green, and several football clubs: the Watford FC Reserves, Borehamwood FC and the Arsenal ladies side, all of which play regular home and away matches.Borehamwood FC and the Arsenal ladies side, all of which play regular home and away matches.

Housing

Much of Borehamwood’s modern accommodation is ex-social housing. Of this, a considerable amount is now either privately rented or is in the hands of owner-occupiers. Thanks to the influx of producers on account of the nearby studios, there are also plenty of options in the more spacious and expensive brackets, although these will vary significantly by area. In addition to this, a number of new housing developments are in progress or recently completed, so you should be spoilt for choice.
While Borehamwood may not be as high-status as neighbouring Elstree, it has a strong sense of being on the cusp, and with developments continuing, it is a very exciting place to live. What’s more, it is also much more affordable than some of its more prestigious neighbours, making it a great choice for young professionals and families alike.Borehamwood may not be as high-status as neighbouring Elstree, it has a strong sense of being on the cusp, and with developments continuing, it is a very exciting place to live. What’s more, it is also much more affordable than some of its more prestigious neighbours, making it a great choice for young professionals and families alike.

Published 23rd March, 2015

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