The role of Harlow Renaissance Ltd. was to deliver a range of renewal programmes in the short term whilst paving the way for longer term growth opportunities and a more prosperous town. The company was initially established as an interim delivery vehicle, pending decisions on longer term growth as directed by the East of England Plan. Now that the plan has been revoked and a new Government is developing new policies, Harlow’s future is likely to take a different course and timetable from that envisaged a few years ago. However, we remain convinced in Harlow’s potential and hope that the work we have undertaken has helped to pave the way for future long term success.
We believe that the eight aspirations we laid out for Harlow’s future remain valid:
- Harlow to have secured a reputation for growth, prosperity and creativity with above average levels of Gross Value Added.
- Harlow will be recognised as a model for neighbourhood renewal in terms of integrating the old and the new, setting high standards of design, build and environmental quality.
- Allied to this, Harlow’s town centre will have achieved sub-regional status through its significantly enhanced retail offer, its colour and vitality which attracts large percentages of population from a wide catchment area both day and night.
- Harlow’s original brand values of innovation, creativity and vitality will have been restored and supplemented by its reputation for high quality design and its reputation as a destination.
- Access to and through Harlow will have improved through better infrastructure with higher quality public transport, road and cycleways, completion of a new motorway junction and work underway on the A414 bypass.
- Harlow’s major extension to the east will have been completed, whilst achieving a mixed housing profile across the town.
- Harlow will be a favoured location for business with existing large companies expanding their operations as well as significant inward investment. Our employment land will be in high demand, high quality jobs are provided for local people, whose skills and education are an attraction for employers. Location, quality of accommodation and other facilities will all be magnets with the town recognised as a good place to do business.
- Education facilities will be highly regarded with the well-established business-oriented University campus fully subscribed and the schools outperforming the average.
To work towards the delivery of this vision for Harlow, the company set out to deliver a range of activity across six themes:
Housing
Contribute to the production of a transformational spatial plan for Harlow and to bring forward and deliver new proposals to provide new housing development for the town.
Transport & Infrastructure
Create the necessary infrastructure framework to enable Harlow’s sustainable growth and make significant progress on its funding and implementation.
Town Centre Development
Develop a holistic approach to the development of the town centre that delivers a major step change in quality and also to create increased activity in the town centre and neighbourhood centres in the short term.
Education
Secure the presence of Anglia Ruskin University in the town and to increase linkages between the business community and education providers.
Enterprise & Employment
To secure the growth of a vibrant business sector in Harlow and provide increased opportunities for higher level employment.
Marketing & Branding
To transform the Harlow image, identity and “brand” through building on the town’s strengths and existing civic pride and secure an increase in the positive perceptions of the town.
Details of our activities under each of these themes can be found in the relevant section of the website and also in our Business Plan for 2009-11.