Significant progress is being made towards the redevelopment of Terminus House, marking a major milestone in the rebuild of Harlow town centre.
Following the council securing a deal to purchase the site last year, architects have now been formally appointed to lead the redesign of both Terminus House and its adjoining car park.
The redevelopment will see the site completely transformed with the council exploring plans to turn the site into a high-quality hotel and new homes for Harlow residents.
The appointment of architects signals the start of a comprehensive redevelopment programme - one that will be shaped directly by local people. With the initial ideas for the site released today, consultation will take place as the plans develop to ensure residents are at the heart of shaping the building’s future and the wider town centre environment.
The redevelopment of Terminus House, taking it from a controversial past to a renewed future, forms a key part of the council’s mission to rebuild the town.
The council exchanged contracts for the purchase last summer. In the meantime, the current owners are continuing to support those currently living in Terminus House into suitable accommodation outside of Harlow. As soon as that process is complete, Harlow Council will take ownership of the building and the regeneration will begin. However, the council isn’t standing still - it is moving at pace to begin the long‑overdue regeneration of this site as soon as possible.
Announcing the latest progress, Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“This is one of the most significant moments in the regeneration of our town centre in a generation. Terminus House has long cast a shadow over Harlow’s heart, and today marks the beginning of the end of that chapter. By appointing architects and pushing ahead at pace, we are turning a symbol of decline into a flagship of renewal.
“We said we would get on with redeveloping the town centre - and we are delivering. We are acquiring key sites, transforming them, and leaving no stone unturned in our mission to rebuild our town and restore pride. And you can see the progress both on the ground now and into the future.
“As part of Budget 2026, we are committing the funding needed to deliver this redevelopment - putting real investment behind our promise to transform this site and the wider town centre.
“The renewal of Terminus House is more than a building project; it represents the future we’re building for Harlow: modern, safe, high‑quality homes and a town centre that residents can once again be proud of. This is real regeneration, and this is how we Build Harlow’s Future.”