Latest Update
December 2009
Following the successful consultation exercise on the draft masterplan during the summer and autumn, the development team have been busy reviewing the comments received and refining the plan. We have also taken the opportunity to display the plans and model to other audiences. Over the last two months Essex County Council has hosted an exhibition of the plans, we have presented the proposals to the EEDA Board and the Harlow Enterprise Hub has displayed the model to provide more opportunities for comments to be made.
Also during this period the developers, Stockland, have been engaging in dialogue with potential retail and leisure occupiers. These have progressed well and it is hoped to be able to make some announcements on these early in the New Year. Alongside this, discussions continue with other landowners in the town centre.
We now hope to conclude the design process by the end of January 2010, with a full Development Agreement between Harlow Council and Stockland to be signed in March. It is then expected that a planning application will be submitted in late summer of next year, accompanied by further consultation on the plans. We are then still on course to complete this exciting scheme in phases between 2012 and 2015.
Public support for Town Centre North Scheme – more than 90% of respondents agree need for change
Public interest in the proposals for the development of Harlow’s Town Centre North has attracted more than 2,500 visitors to two major Public Exhibitions over the summer.
People flocked in to see the proposals, talk to the Development Team and comment on the scheme at a four day exhibition in Broadwalk at the beginning of July and at the Harlow Renaissance Marquee at the Harlow Town Show at the beginning of September. Harlow Council and Stockland, the joint venture partners for the project, have described the response to the plans as “hugely encouraging”.
Significantly, more than 90% of respondents recognised the need for regeneration in the northern end of the town. Of the 450 completed feedback forms received by the end of August:
- 91% felt that the area identified as Harlow Town Centre North was in need of regeneration;
- 83% felt that the proposals on display were a good way to provide regeneration; and
- Many felt that Harlow’s overall image would improve as a result of the plans, helping to put the town ‘back on the map’ while driving other redevelopment schemes in Harlow.
The public’s response has delighted Harlow Council and Stockland who have stated the importance of traders, landowners and property owners all working together to help deliver what the public wants for the town centre. Further work is now being undertaken to help the plans evolve as a result of this consultation.
Andy Macdonald, Head of Major Projects for Stockland, said:
"We are delighted with the high number of positive responses we have had to these plans. We are now working with the design team to use these comments to drive the plans forward. All these comments will be fed into the planning process and will allow us to create a stronger set of plans that will benefit the people of Harlow.”
Councillor Andrew Johnson, Harlow Council’s Leader, said:
“The Town Centre North scheme is a fantastic opportunity to improve Harlow and its town centre. The plans have really created a positive buzz around the town and we had a fantastic response during the public consultation. The overwhelming public support has increased our determination to deliver this scheme for Harlow.”
Councillor Chris Millington, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on the Council agreed:
“This scheme will improve the town centre and play a big part in Harlow’s continued regeneration. The public reaction to the plans has been great and we know how much local people want this scheme to happen.”
Whilst Councillor Mark Wilkinson, Leader of the Labour Group on the Council commented:
“The Town Centre North scheme will make a huge difference to the whole town centre. The plans have shown the positive impact the scheme will have on the town and this has generated much public support.”
Detailed discussions will now continue with landowners, occupiers and other town centre stakeholders and work is ongoing to refine the plans and prepare the planning application for submission in 2010.
Although the official deadline for responding to the plans has now passed, people can still register comments online at the consultation website – http://www.harlowtowncentrenorth.co.uk/.