Following the grant of planning permission in November 2025, DC01UK has formally transferred ownership of the former White Hart public house in South Mimms to Hertsmere Borough Council, fulfilling a key commitment made as part of its wider proposals for the area.
The formal transfer was marked with a joint handover and breaking ground ceremony on Wednesday 14th, attended by representatives from DC01UK, Griggs, Hertsmere Borough Council, and South Mimms and Ridge Parish Council. The event signals the start of work to transform the historic building into a new Community and Technology Innovation Hub, designed to serve the local community for generations to come.
Griggs will now undertake the extension and refurbishment of the building, working sympathetically to recognise and retain its heritage character, while introducing modern internal spaces fit for future learning, collaboration and innovation. The facility will include a robotics lab, podcast studio, video editing suite, as well as classrooms and flexible community spaces.
In addition to delivering the refurbishment, DC01UK has provided £5 million to Hertsmere Borough Council to support the ongoing running costs of the facility over the next 15 years, ensuring the long-term sustainability and accessibility of the hub for the community.
Once complete, the Community and Technology Innovation Hub will play a vital role in supporting skills development across all age groups. The facility will provide opportunities for young people to gain the skills needed for future careers in emerging technologies, while also supporting re-skilling and up-skilling for older generations who may have been left behind by rapid technological change. The ambition is to create an inclusive space that supports lifelong learning, digital confidence and community connection.
James Craig and Andrew Brewer and, Directors of DC01UK, said:
“The formal transfer of the former White Hart marks an important milestone, turning a long-standing commitment into reality. This project is about investing in community infrastructure, people and opportunity, creating a place where future generations can develop new skills, while also ensuring that those already in the community are supported to adapt and thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. We are delighted to complete this transfer and look forward to seeing this vision brought to life over the coming months.”
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of the Council, commented “I see the transformation of a former pub into a community and technology innovation hub as a huge boost to the training and skills agenda in Hertsmere. It synergises naturally with our growing high-tech infrastructure base – data centres, the immersive experience and advanced creative industries. This is a real win for local people, local business and the local economy.”
The transformation of the former White Hart pub represents a significant step in DC01UK’s commitment to delivering long-term social value alongside major infrastructure investment, ensuring that local communities directly benefit from growth, innovation and investment.