19 May 2009
Partnership will deliver major new development for the northern part of Harlow Town Centre
Harlow Council and international developer Stockland have today (19 May 2009) signed an agreement that will see the two organisations join forces on a major 1.3million sqft mixed use scheme which will transform Harlow Town Centre.
The agreement unlocks the next stage in the planned regeneration of the northern quarter of the town centre and will enable designs to be brought forward ahead of a Planning Application being submitted in 2010.
The development proposals will signify a major step-change for the town, aimed at transforming Harlow into a sub-regional shopping centre. The regeneration of Town Centre North will re-integrate the northern area of the town centre and Market Square quarter into the existing with the Harvey Centre and the Water Gardens development to the south.
Extensive public consultation will take place with the scheme looking to incorporate new retail space, including a department store and new foodstore, new homes, restaurants, a hotel, office space, a new library and a new bus station. Leisure facilities including a new cinema, the re-provision of the market and transformed public spaces will also feature in the scheme. The Council is also working on a separate project to develop proposals to include a theatre in the development.
Approximately 500 new homes are proposed as part of the development, helping to meet local demand and to bring more residential into the town centre itself.
Alongside Stockland and Harlow Council, the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), Essex County Council and the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) are backing the scheme.
The announcement is a major boost for the town at a time when many town centre regeneration projects are being shelved in other areas due to the current economic climate.
The scheme has cross party support on Harlow Council and the signing of the agreement has been welcomed by all three group leaders.
Councillor Andrew Johnson, Leader of the Conservative Group Leader on the Council, said:
“Stockland are an experienced retail developer and the Council and its partners are absolutely delighted to be working with them to transform the northern part of the town centre.
“This is a major boost for Harlow’s future and the whole town centre. This announcement contributes to an exciting time for Harlow along with other regeneration projects which are happening. This scheme could bring new shopping and leisure experiences to residents and visitors as well as new housing to bring life into the town centre in the evenings. If we are going to realise our ambition of making Harlow a sub-regional shopping centre then schemes like this must happen.”
Councillor Chris Millington, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on the Council, said:
“This is exciting news for the town. Signing an agreement with an experienced developer is a significant step forward in transforming the northern part of the town centre. This won’t be a standalone development. The scheme will improve the whole town centre offer with new shops, community facilities, good transport links, entertainment and the arts integrating with the rest of the town centre. This scheme is important for Harlow’s future as we hope to compete with other regional shopping centres.”
Councillor Mark Wilkinson, Leader of the Labour Group on the Council, said:
“We are now a step closer to the prospect of transforming the northern part of the town centre. This is fantastic news for Harlow and the future of our town centre. We all know how much that end of the town centre needs regenerating to complement the Water Gardens development. The fact that this project is going full steam ahead is testament to what Harlow has to offer and its potential for the future.”
Andy Macdonald, Head of Major Projects for Stockland, said:
"Signing this agreement today is very significant news for Harlow and a tremendous achievement for the partners involved in this exciting scheme. We can now move forward with fresh momentum and into a detailed phase of public consultation ahead of a planning application next year. We hope that people across Harlow will want to see and comment on our ideas for the scheme because we need their views to ensure we develop the very best set of proposals for the town. Stockland's own experience in town centre regeneration will be a major factor in advancing the proposals and capturing the benefits they provide. We are delighted to be part of this exciting partnership which will help Harlow to realise its potential, create a significant impact at a regional level, and to build an even stronger future."
The development will raise the quality and appeal of facilities available in the town centre, underpinning Harlow’s ongoing regeneration and supporting its growth as an attractive place to live, work and visit. The development is also intended to work alongside other significant regeneration projects in the town, including the new Leisurezone sportcentre being delivered by the Harlow Gateway Project and Anglia Ruskin University’s new university campus.
The scheme will be open to public consultation during summer 2009 with a view to a planning application being brought forward in 2010. Subject to planning permission the new development is expected to open in phases from late 2012. Harlow Council and Stockland will be working closely with all local retailers and employers in the town centre.
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Notes to editors:
The legal Inter-Party agreement now provides the mechanism for the parties to produce a Development Agreement and submit a planning application.
Included in the proposed scheme will be approximately:
450,000 sq ft - Retail
30,000 sq ft - restaurants/cafes
90,000 sq ft - Leisure facilities
420,000 sq ft - Residential
140,000 sq ft - Office space
28,000 sq ft - Library
60,000 sq ft - Hotel