Harlow Council has today confirmed that the transformation of Adams House into a vibrant food, leisure and hospitality destination will begin just after Christmas, marking a major milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Market Square and Harlow town centre.
The new designs unveiled this morning herald the long-awaited renewal of Adams House, celebrating its heritage, revitalising Market Square, and taking another bold step in Building Harlow’s Future with the transformed Adams House set to open next year.
For too long, Adams House has stood under-utilised at the heart of the square. With preparations now complete, work will shortly get underway to transform the landmark building back into active use and secure a new future for one of the town centre’s most prominent sites.
The major refurbishment will deliver a multi-operator food hall, alongside restaurant, retail and entertainment spaces designed to create a welcoming destination throughout the day and into the evening. A striking new shopfront will open directly onto Market Square, while the building’s iconic clockface will be carefully restored, preserving its character while signalling a new chapter.
Significant investment will also be made in improving the building’s energy performance. Works will include a new roof, windows and insulation, upgrading the quality of the homes above and supporting the council’s wider commitment to sustainability and high-quality town centre living.
Once complete, Adams House will play a central role in transforming Market Square into a lively 24/7 destination, supporting hundreds of new jobs, increasing footfall and driving economic activity in the town centre. The scheme forms part of Harlow Council’s wider programme to rebuild the town centre and deliver visible, on-the-ground regeneration.
Announcing the transformation of Adams House, Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“This is another clear sign that regeneration in Harlow is moving decisively from plans into action. With work set to begin just after Christmas, Adams House will be transformed from a long-neglected building into a flagship destination at the very heart of our town centre.
“The restoration of the Adams House clock is especially important. For generations it has been a familiar and reassuring presence in Market Square – a symbol of Harlow’s heritage and identity. Bringing it back to life is about respecting where we have come from, while being ambitious about where we are going. It sends a clear message that as we rebuild our town centre, we are doing so with pride in Harlow and confidence in its future.
“Alongside the transformation of Market House, this investment will fundamentally reshape Market Square into a vibrant, welcoming place where people want to spend time – supporting local businesses, creating jobs and bringing energy back into the heart of the town.
“This is what Building Harlow’s Future means in practice: visible change, real momentum and a town centre that once again reflects the ambition, pride and potential of the community it serves. This is regeneration people will see, feel and believe in.”