14 July 2009
More than 2,000 people attend Public Exhibition to view and comment on proposals
Public interest in the proposals for Harlow’s new town centre under the Town Centre North scheme brought in more than 2,000 people to the Public Exhibition which was held over the last four days (Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 July). People flocked in to see the proposals, talk to the Development Team and comment on the scheme. Harlow Council and Stockland, the joint venture partners for the project, have described the response to the plans as ‘a hugely encouraging start’.
Comments are now being reviewed and will be fed into the design process as the proposals are taken forward towards a planning application, expected to be made in summer 2010. People are also feeding in their views via the consultation website where a fly-through video and detailed information on the plans can also be seen.
Andy Macdonald, Head of Major Projects for Stockland, said: "Our message is to say a very big ‘thank you’ to everyone who took the time to visit the Exhibition and to give us their ideas. People’s input is crucial at this early stage. It will help us take these initial designs forward and start to define the scheme in greater detail. People have been really enthusiastic about what this regeneration can do to boost Harlow and we’ve been delighted by the overall response to our vision for Town Centre North.”
Councillor Andrew Johnson, Harlow Council Leader, said: “We need input from the community to ensure that the proposals really work for Harlow and we have received a fantastic response to the start of the consultation. As we hoped, the exciting visuals for Town Centre North have really caught the attention of the community with some enthusiastic comments coming back about the scheme.
“There is still plenty of time for people to tell us what they think through the website or by returning a comment form. The team will also continue to talk to traders, businesses and landowners about the plans and how we would like them to be a part of the scheme.”
Liberal Democrat Councillor Linda Pailing, said: “As councillors we are all excited about the proposals laid down and I’m delighted with the response so far. The enthusiasm that the plans have generated is very good for both the town and the town centre. We want the community to let us know what they think. Views on the plan can still be submitted to us through the website or by filling out a feedback form. I would encourage anyone who is yet to have their say to do so.”
Councillor Mark Wilkinson, Leader of the Labour Group on the Council, said: “This is a great start for the consultation and shows just how much interest there is in this scheme. It’s so important that as many people as possible take part so we can develop the best proposals for the town centre. As the consultation continues we hope that many more people will let us know their views and become part of this scheme.”
People have been asked to register their initial comments by Friday 21 August so that the Development Team can prepare an update report ahead of the Town Show on 6 September, where they will be feeding back on the views received.
The model and main consultation display panels from the Public Exhibition are now moving to the Civic Centre where people can view them and complete comment forms.
The Public Exhibition was preceded by a special ‘launch’ evening preview on Wednesday 7 July which was attended by representatives of Harlow Council, Harlow Renaissance, Essex County Council, EEDA, the Homes & Communities Agency and a large number of project stakeholders.
Speakers included Harlow Council Leader Andrew Johnson, Leader of the Labour Group Mark Wilkinson and Liberal Democrat Councillor Linda Pailing who all stressed the cross-party support for the scheme from Harlow Council.