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The Present and the Future
The malting industry has gone, and many of the old maltings have been converted into offices, factories and residential units, but Ware still retains its industrial character. The main employer is now GlaxoWellcome which continues to manufacture its world-famous drugs on the site first occupied by Allen and Hanburys in 1899. As well as the manufacturing site, GlaxoWellcome also has a large modern research establishment nearby. The town's other industries are located on the other side of the town in Crane Mead, Marsh Lane and Broadmeads.
Ware's historic assets in the road and the river still continue to flourish, even though the main Al0 traffic travelling between London and Cambridge now uses the bypass which runs on a viaduct across the Meads. The River Lea no longer carries commercial barges but is well used by pleasure craft of every description and is very popular with anglers. On the north bank of the Lea, many of the gazebos have been restored and are now seen as one of the town's unique attractions.
Ware is a busy commercial town but proud of its heritage. Many of the older buildings are listed, and the town is designated a centre of 'outstanding archaeological and historical interest'. In recent years, Ware has begun to attract tourists and guided tours of the town centre are held on Sundays in the summer months. There are also regular Summer band concerts in the Priory grounds, as well as the opening of the Museum on Saturdays and Sundays. However, Ware does not live in the past. As well as the bigger industries, many small businesses thrive through the waggonways and above shops in the High Street. There are plentiful restaurants and pubs (for which Ware has always been famous). The Ware Centre of Hertford Regional College brings hosts of students to the town, and the High Street is always busy, particularly on Tuesday, which is Market Day.
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