A project to turn a dated shopping parade into a modern retail space has been completed marking a new chapter for a community.

The entrance to Carpenders Park station in South Oxhey has been transformed with new shops and a public space.

Developer Countryside and housing partner Home Group have finished work in Station Approach - the first phase of the £172 million development called South Oxhey Central.

There are 19 retail units let out, with 68 per cent of the units and workspaces let out to existing retailers.

Visitors will find stores and amenities including a new post office, dentist, Greggs, and a coffee shop.

Watford Observer:

The new Triple Two coffee shop in Station Approach

Station Approach keeps the turning circle, used by buses, taxis, and visitors to the shops, but the pedestrianised centre is now greener and brighter.

Daniel King, managing director, partnerships west London, Countryside, said: "The successful completion of the new Station Approach is a wonderful milestone for the development. Our ambition has been to provide a far more fitting entrance to South Oxhey from Carpenders Park Station, and this has certainly been realised with the new shops and public space."

This is what Station Approach looked like in 2014

South Oxhey Central is being delivered in three phases.

The second phase is well underway and when complete, will provide 174 new homes, a new market square, and shops.

Phase 3 will deliver more new homes, commercial space and an 18,880 sq ft Lidl supermarket by the end of 2022.

When complete, South Oxhey Central will consist of 514 new homes, 55,000 sq ft of commercial space, and public spaces.

To date, 140 new homes have been delivered, including 48 for social rent and 21 for shared ownership.

Sara Bedford, leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: "More and more residents are telling us how much they like the new South Oxhey. There is so much more to come, for both homes and businesses, and we are looking forward to the completion of the next phase of the project."