Leavesden aerodrome near Watford was originally owned by the Ministry of Defence and used during World War II for the manufacture of Mosquito and Halifax aircraft. For a number of years, Rolls-Royce used the site for the manufacture of helicopter engines until the site closed in June 1993.

In 1995 the site was purchased by Third Millennium Group with the intention of developing a Universal Studios/Disneyland style attraction. During this period the site was used as studios for productions that included the James Bond film “Goldeneye” and the Star Wars film “The Phantom Menace”.

In July 1999 MEPC purchased 14 acres, and two months later purchased a further 85 acres to develop the business park that continues to grow today.

In March 2000, BT signed up for the first 3 buildings totaling approximately 193,000 sq ft.

In July 2000, MEPC obtained detailed planning permission for Phase 1 to develop 6 Headquarters office buildings totaling 350,800 sq ft. As well as the 3 linked BT buildings, 2 speculative office buildings were developed

•    5 Hercules Way – 43,316 sq ft (4,025 sq m)
•    6 Hercules Way – 68,239 sq ft (6,340 sq m)