28 March 2011
Over the past three years Harlow Renaissance has led the work to create the vision and branding campaign for the rebranding of Harlow.
Harlow – see something different has brought together businesses, organisations and community groups from across the town with a shared commitment to improving the town’s image.
As Harlow Renaissance hands over the campaign to its partners who will continue on with the vision – Harlow 2020, Harlow Council and Harlow Chamber of Commerce – four final pieces of work are launched within the next few weeks:
Harlow History Boards – fourteen boards in locations across the town to celebrate the rich history of Harlow. In partnership with the Civic Society who chose the locations and provided the historical text, residents and visitors will discover the reason why Bush Fair is so named; the two thousand year old history of Potter Street and why Harlow Town Centre is not actually in the centre of the town. The boards will be sited by the end of April under the ownership of Harlow Council.
Places to Visit Brochure – It’s been ten years since a brochure has been produced to share the amazing range of facilities the town has to offer. Harlow – see something different: Places to Visit brings together the historical, cultural, sporting and leisure venues, providing details on their location, facilities and opening times. The brochure will be available from Parndon Mill and venues across the town.
Harlow History Education Resources Pack – In partnership with Harlow Civic Society and Harlow Museum a fascinating education information pack has been produced on the history of the town pre and post 1947. ‘Harlow – the making of the new town’ written by Claire Hooper of Harlow Museum explores the reasons why Harlow was chosen for the building of a new town and the experiences of the first residents, whilst 10 complementary factsheets explore the town’s history from Saxon times onwards. The pack is available free of charge from Harlow Museum to all school teachers and visitors to the museum.
Harlow Short Films – to complement the Inward Investment Business campaign two short films have been produced to visually demonstrate the town’s offer. Harlow Lifestyle explores the town’s cultural, leisure and lifestyle opportunities to potential new employees and residents. Business Harlow demonstrates the growth opportunities for businesses in a town with enviable connectivity and value for money. Vance Rowe from Harlow Chamber of Commerce introduces the video with contributions from Attwaters, BUPA, Alistage and O-I.
Nicky Bowland, Communications Manager of Harlow Renaissance said:
“We are delighted to be able to present our final contribution to the campaign which showcases the wonderful attributes of Harlow. Harlow – see something different, through partnership work, has set the vision for Harlow – it has challenged perceptions, increased recognition, invited dialogue and discussion and is taking us from how Harlow has been seen historically towards how we would all like Harlow to be viewed – as a place of opportunity, with a ‘can do’ attitude and a rich cultural landscape.’
We are particularly pleased that with the support of Harlow Civic Society we have been able to take forward the history boards which each give a fascinating sense of historical context across the town, much of which is unlikely to be known by those passing through the area each day.
Harlow –see something different has been embraced across the town, and we are very pleased that the campaign has already helped people see Harlow differently.”
Media Contact
Nicky Bowland 01279 400683.
Please note that Harlow Renaissance ceases trading on 25th March. I will be unable to access
e-mails after this time but can be reached via telephone until Wednesday 30 March 2011.
Notes to Editors
Copies of the Harlow Short Films can be requested from Harlow Chamber of Commerce or the Regeneration Team at Harlow Council.
For the immediate time Press can view the short films at:
Lifestyle Film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcVnhHG_bJc
Business Film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agpgFDIHIFA
“Harlow – see something different” was developed to draw attention to the numerous leisure, sport, arts and retail facilities which already exist across the town, with an emphasis on its enviable sculpture collection and cultural opportunities. It also looks to the future with the exciting growth and regeneration agenda, the neighbourhood renewal schemes and the redevelopment of Town Centre North.
At its heart is the essence that the creation of a brand is more than just a logo – it is the image and reputation that we want associated with the town both today and tomorrow.
The vision agreed by partners across the town is to:
Raise the profile of Harlow within the East of England in order for us to compete across the region for a share of the area’s economic growth, investment and people – including future residents, employees and visitors
To clearly communicate what the town has to offer today and what it aspires to be in the future
To develop a brand that will send out one compelling, joined-up and consistent message about Harlow
To drive the vision for Harlow by building upon its cultural heritage, its scientific past and present, and its architectural background
To constructively address negative perceptions with informed knowledge
To facilitate a demonstrable change of image for the town