Area Guide: The popular New Greens area of St Albans

The bulk of the estate was built as part of the government's expansion policy after World War Two, but there are some older properties in the mix, as well as others that are more modern.

Homes in New Greens are far from cheap, however they're marginally more affordable than those in some other areas of the city.

Properties currently on the market locally include a two-bedroom maisonette at Flint Way for £375,000 and a five-bedroom semi-detached house on Green Lane for £675,000.

Amenities 

New Greens' shopping hub is called High Oaks, and it has a busy parade including a newsagents', a fancy dress and dancewear shop, a florist, a dental practice, a bakery, a Chinese/fish and chip shop and an Indian takeaway.

There is also an extensive green space off Toulmin Drive, which has a playground for young children and playing fields which are used for football and rugby.

The surrounding woodland offers ample space for joggers and dog walkers to explore, while the quiet streets are frequently used for learner drivers who need to practice their manouevres.

Christ Church in High Oaks (Image: Danny Loo)

New Greens Club is on High Oaks, and hosts a range of entertainment options, including live music, comedy nights, quizzes and big screen sports. The hall is available for hire for weddings, funerals, parties and more.

The area is home to Christ Church, which is also on High Oaks, an all-age religious community and is part of the Church of England. It opened in 1980 as a replacement for the 19th century church on Verulam Road, which is now offices.

They say on their website: "We are committed to being an all age community, on a shared journey of faith, making the edge the centre.

"We love to worship together and to serve others both locally and around the world."

The church offers classes and groups for toddlers, children and seniors, while also catering to everyone in between.

The Maple Club also meets in New Green Residence Hall.

Chairperson Mary Rolls said: "We are the ladies of Maple Club who meet on Wednesday afternoons 2:30pm - 4:30pm at the New Green Residence Hall. 

"We are a small, friendly group which has been active for 70 years this year. We have quizzes, craft afternoons, speakers, sometimes go out for lunch and all sorts of things.

"So if you have a Wednesday afternoon free, you are welcome to come along and see what we get up to, tea and biscuits await. 

"Currently, on a summer break now but will resume on Wednesday 20th September.

"We look forward to meeting new faces, New Green and surrounding area ladies welcome."
 

Schools 

There are two schools in New Greens — Margaret Wix Primary School and Townsend Church of England School. 

Townsend is the only C of E secondary school in St Albans, but welcomes pupils from all faiths (or none) from Herts, Luton and north London.

Margaret Wix caters to pupils aged four to 11, and has the added bonus of a school dog, Scout, as well as a nursery class that runs every morning.

Both schools were rated 'good' by Ofsted at their most recent inspections, as was neighbouring three-form entry primary school, Garden Fields JMI.

The popular St Albans Girls' School (STAGS) is nearby - just across Harpenden Road, on Sandridgebury Lane - and was rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted at its most recent inspection.

Sport 

New Greens plays host to various sports clubs. The St Albans Centurions rugby league team plays their homes games from Toulmin Drive sports ground.

They are a community-based amateur club, with teams across several age brackets from under 12 to seniors.

Meanwhile the St Albans London Colney ABA is a local boxing club which offers classes for all ages groups, and is also based on Toulmin Drive.

The club is open to anyone who is keen to take up amateur boxing, with a view to representing the club in a future bout.

This area guide is sponsored by Frost's, who have offices in St Albans, Marshalswick, Wheathampstead and Harpenden (Image: Frost's)