Local authority district in Hertfordshire, England
| Coordinates: | 51.9, -0.19 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | TL 24 24 |
Stevenage is a borough and local authority district in Hertfordshire, England, lying roughly north of London and known as Britain’s first post‑war New Town (designated in 1946). The town famously blends a modern, planned New Town core - with pedestrianised shopping areas and distinctive roundabouts - and a medieval Old Town centred on St Nicholas Church, plus surrounding residential neighbourhoods and open spaces such as Fairlands Valley Park.
Economically it mixes light industry, manufacturing and a growing life‑sciences cluster around the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, while good rail links on the mainline make it a commuter hub. Culturally the borough supports local theatres and community events - for example at the Gordon Craig Theatre - and socially it’s a diverse area with a mix of council and private housing reflecting its New Town heritage.