Harlow Council has exchanged contracts to purchase Terminus House, marking its most ambitious acquisition to date and a major milestone in the transformation of Harlow town centre.
Following unanimous approval by councillors on 5 June, the council is now committed to buying Terminus House, comprising a 13-storey main building and a 6-storey car park.
Under the terms of the deal, the current owners will work to ensure all tenants are supported into alternative accommodation that they already own, ensuring the building is vacant at the point of completion, and that current tenants are offered alternative places to live.
The council can only assist Harlow residents who meet the eligibility criteria for Harlow’s Housing Needs Register. Those placed in Harlow by other councils in temporary accommodation do not meet the criteria.
Terminus House has previously been used by London boroughs as temporary accommodation, placing pressure on local services and the town centre. Its redevelopment will deliver high-quality housing for Harlow residents and support the wider regeneration of the area, including the rebuilding of the bus station and the transformation of Terminus Street, which begins this month.
This acquisition is part of the council’s mission to ‘rebuild our town’. The council has already purchased Adams House and Market House and plans to acquire other sites in the town as part of Building Harlow's Future.
Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, described the purchase as a defining moment:
“We are Building Harlow’s Future and are on a mission to rebuild our town. This is a landmark moment, and our boldest property purchase yet, bringing another significant building and site which will come into council ownership.
“Redevelopment proposals for the site will take some time, meanwhile, the current owners will follow a process to relocate existing tenants outside the town.
“Our vision is clear: to create one of the best town centres in the UK - an exciting, dynamic space that serves people of all ages, at all times of the day. Redeveloping Terminus House is a vital step in restoring pride and unlocking Harlow’s full potential.”
This milestone reinforces Harlow Council’s commitment to delivering a thriving, inclusive town centre for future generations.