Harlow Council has completed the purchase of the former Odeon site, paving the way for its full redevelopment as part of the rebuild of Harlow town centre.
The old cinema has stood empty for years and has become, for many residents, a visible symbol of the town centre’s decline. Following the council’s announcement on 17 March, work has now been completed to finalise the acquisition. The council has secured the site at market value, bringing it into council ownership and enabling its long-awaited regeneration.
The council will redevelop the site, with more detailed plans set to be released in the coming weeks.
The acquisition marks another significant step in the council’s wider regeneration programme for the town centre, which is already under construction across several sites including the Bus Station, Market Square and Playhouse Square.
The purchase forms part of a coordinated programme of acquisitions and agreements to address the fragmented land ownership that has long held back redevelopment of the town centre. These include Terminus House, The Rows, Market House, Adams House and the Harvey Centre, as well as an agreement on the Strawberry Star site. Further acquisitions are expected.
Announcing the completion of the purchase, Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“For years, the old Odeon has stood derelict - empty, decaying, and a symbol of the town centre’s decline. That ends now.
“With the site now under council control, we can move forward at pace with its redevelopment as part of the biggest regeneration programme of any district council in the UK.
“We are rebuilding our town centre from the ground up - with construction already underway and more to come. Residents can see the change happening, and we are determined to keep up momentum.
“This is about delivery - getting sites under control, getting development moving, and getting results for Harlow. We’re not waiting for change. We’re Building Harlow’s Future.”