A deal has been signed to transform the entire ground floor of Adams House into a new all‑day dining and evening leisure venue - marking another major step in the regeneration of Market Square.
The council has signed an agreement with a local operator. The market-hall style redevelopment will create a welcoming destination with a bar and multiple food operators offering morning coffees, family meals, outdoor seating, evening meet‑ups and live entertainment - all designed to bring new vibrancy and footfall into the square.
The scheme forms part of the wider rebuild of Market Square, where buildings on all sides as well as the square itself are being transformed to make way for new restaurants, bars, markets, high-quality offices and nightlife that will reshape the area into a lively social hub. The rebuild of the area is already under way, with the new Market Square set to reopen in the coming months, followed by the opening of the new venue soon after.
As part of the full transformation of Adams House, the project will also restore the building’s iconic clockface - preserving an important local landmark while signalling a new beginning. Significant investment is being made to upgrade the building’s energy performance, including a new roof, windows and insulation to improve the homes above and support the council’s commitment to high‑quality town centre living.
Announcing the deal, Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“Signing this deal is another major step forward in delivering the regeneration that residents have been promised. Market Square is being transforming from a tired and underused space into a vibrant destination, and this new food and leisure venue will play a central role in bringing life back into the heart of the town centre.
“Adams House has stood neglected for far too long. We purchased the building last year and we are investing in the building’s fabric - from energy upgrades to restoring the iconic clockface - we are turning it into a flagship location that blends Harlow’s heritage with our ambition for the future.
“This is exactly what Building Harlow’s Future means: rebuilding our town centre, creating new places for families and visitors to enjoy, supporting businesses and generating jobs. It’s visible change that residents can see happening now - real momentum that is rebuilding pride and confidence in Market Square.”