Transformational £20m town centre regeneration bid unveiled

Published date

Harlow is bidding for £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support the area’s transformation into a vibrant Arts and Cultural quarter. The proposals for the area, which were originally unveiled last June, have been updated and improved. The council has been invited by the government to resubmit its bid.

The vision for the two squares is to create and develop an Arts and Cultural Quarter, bringing together a diverse range of artistic, entertainment, cultural and heritage disciplines to establish a regional hub of innovative and engaging events and activities. 

Iconic buildings - the Playhouse Theatre and St Paul’s Church - will remain at the heart of the new quarter.

Harlow Arts and Cultural Quarter will see brand new:

  • Live music and performance venue (including music school and recording studio)
  • Contemporary bar and café
  • Artist and maker studio spaces
  • Flexible studios for creative and performing arts, rehearsal space, events, smaller and outdoor performances, and community uses
  • Art gallery and associated spaces for literary arts, spoken word, education events and visiting exhibitions and installations

 In addition, the scheme will provide:

 New pedestrian focused and engaging public square for events, outdoor performances, cinema, and outdoor dining

  • Green pocket park with natural play installations
  • Accessibility provisions including disabled parking and accessibly designed spaces
  • Upgraded and secure underpass beneath Haydens Road
  • Residential units at the previous Occasio House site
  • Improved taxi rank/drop-off provision & sustainable travel features

The scheme will establish a new gateway destination that Harlow can be proud off and link The Water Gardens and Harvey Centre via the Arts and Cultural quarter. A new board will be established to bring a programme of exciting events to the Town attracting a diverse range of visitors from all ages and communities

Councillor Dan Swords, Deputy Leader of Harlow Council, said:

“I am delighted that we can unveil our improved and exciting plans for the transformation of Playhouse Square and College Square with our Harlow Arts and Culture Quarter proposals. These plans are about creating a vibrant new quarter of the town centre bringing together the arts, culture, live music, and events. These plans are all part of what we aim to deliver for the complete regeneration of Harlow town centre and there will be more announcements to be made in the coming weeks. I would like to thank the council officers who have been involved in updating and improving our plans and I look forward to submitting our Harlow Arts and Culture Quarter bid to government shortly.”