Work will begin within weeks on a major transformation of the Harvey Centre, as Harlow Council today unveiled ambitious plans to modernise the town’s shopping centre as part of its mission to “rebuild our town” and Build Harlow’s Future.
The council is investing millions of pounds in a comprehensive upgrade programme designed to strengthen the centre’s role at the heart of Harlow and unlock a new era of growth, confidence and opportunity. The upgrades will also support the council’s work to attract new high-quality shops to the centre.
The Harvey Centre remains one of the council’s strongest-performing assets, welcoming more than 5.8 million visitors over the past year. With consistently high occupancy levels and financial returns exceeding forecasts, the centre’s success has enabled the council to reinvest directly into the town centre and bring forward this major programme of improvements.
The upgrade programme will include:
- A striking transformation of the car park exterior and surrounding areas
- Refreshed, modern signage throughout the centre
- Brand-new escalators
- Significant structural and aesthetic enhancements to the multi-storey car park
Together, these improvements will give the Harvey Centre a contemporary new identity - enhancing the visitor experience and attracting high-quality shops to Harlow.
The upgraded car park will complement construction already under way on the new Harlow Arts and Cultural Quarter. Its redesigned façade also draws inspiration from the neighbouring Water Gardens, reflecting the area’s heritage while looking firmly to the future.
This latest investment forms part of what is the biggest regeneration programme ever delivered by a UK district council, with construction progressing at the Playhouse Quarter, Market Square, the Strawberry Star site, the bus station and other key town centre projects.
Unveiling the plans, Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“We are rebuilding our town centre, with construction now under way in every corner, and today I’m announcing the next major step: a significant transformation of the Harvey Centre, with work starting within weeks. The rebuilding of the town centre is no longer a promise – you can see it with your own eyes.
“We are actively working to attract high-quality new shops, and this major investment gives us the modern, high-standard environment those brands expect. It sends a clear message that Harlow is moving forward. The Harvey Centre has consistently outperformed expectations since we took the bold decision to buy it in 2022, and we are reinvesting that success directly back into our town. This transformation will enhance the experience for residents and visitors alike, while accelerating the next phase of regeneration across the town centre.
“The car park upgrade alone will turn a dated concrete structure into a striking new façade that complements the Harlow Arts and Cultural Quarter now taking shape. We said we would transform the whole town centre - and we are delivering on that promise.
“Step by step, investment by investment, we are building a modern, vibrant town centre you can be proud of as we Build Harlow’s Future.”