At its meeting on 11 September, Harlow Council’s Cabinet is set to approve a proposal that will fast-track decision-making and accelerate regeneration across the town centre.
The Town Centre Strategy proposes a new streamlined process to speed up approvals and remove delays, ensuring town centre regeneration projects already underway keep moving forward at pace.
From the demolition of the bus station to the transformation of Market Square, Broad Walk, the Playhouse Quarter, work to rebuild the town centre is no longer just a plan – it’s happening now. The new approach will make sure progress is quicker, decisions are faster, and change is visible sooner.
If approved, this step will also unlock further regeneration funding to accelerate and enhance the transformation of Harlow’s town centre – breathing new life into landmark sites like Adams House and Market House.
Commenting on the proposal, Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“We are delivering the most ambitious regeneration programme of any district council in the country – reversing years of decline and finally giving our town centre the future it deserves. The change is no longer a vision, it’s happening now: work on the new bus station and Terminus Street began last month, the Playhouse Quarter will start this month, and Market Square’s transformation will begin in October.
“But I know our residents want to see this transformation even faster – and they are right. They have waited long enough. That is why we are cutting through red tape, speeding up decision-making, cutting delays, and accelerating the rebuilding of our town centre. This is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about restoring pride, opportunity, and belief in the heart of our town. This change in approach will deliver on one of our central missions to rebuild our town as we Build Harlow’s Future.”
The council’s new streamlined process ensures decisions match the pace of ambition – unlocking visible results and restoring pride in the town centre.