Harlow – a town of growth and opportunity

Over the next few years, Harlow will be transformed into a vibrant sub-regional centre attracting new growth businesses, a diversity of high quality residential neighbourhoods and a thriving town centre with a successful evening economy.

That’s the vision from partners and stakeholders in Harlow including Harlow Council, Essex County Council, EEDA, HCA and Harlow Renaissance Ltd who are driving forward the exciting new regeneration and growth opportunities in Harlow.

Upon its formation, Frederick Gibberd’s vision for Harlow demonstrated a cutting edge approach to town planning with an innovative masterplan. Much of this is still relevant for the 21st century and partners intend to build upon the strong heritage and civic pride that dominates the town – Harlow is known for its ‘firsts’ and continues to look forward with this same spirit.

One of the first post war new towns with the first tower block, integrated health centre and dedicated sports centre in the country, Harlow is seeking to ensure new housing growth continues to provide attractive neighbourhood environments with excellent facilities to mirror its original design. The New Hall development in the east of Harlow has already won national awards.

Harlow has already attracted in the region of £50m to invest in the town’s future. For example, the Gateway Project has delivered renewed sporting facilities for the town including a new football stadium, athletics and sports centre, the Harlow Leisure Zone (wet & dry indoor sport centre completing Autumn 2009) and housing. It is also identified in the East of England Plan (to 2021) as a Key Centre for Development and Change, with up to 16,000 new homes proposed in and around Harlow and a key location in the region for economic development.

The forth-coming regeneration of the Town Centre North will signify another major step-change for the town. With proposals including 450,000sq ft of retail, 90,000sq ft of leisure facilities and for the first time 420,000sq ft of residential units, there will also be 140,000sq ft office space, a new library, hotel, and increased public realm.

Harlow offers a business friendly environment for businesses of all sizes. The recently opened Harlow Enterprise Hub, managed by regional businesses specialists NWES, provides 55 serviced office units and dedicated on site business support services for start up, and small businesses. There are also a number business parks across the town offering flexible unit space and support.

The town is also home to established global companies including GSK, Raytheon and Nortel for some of whom research, development and innovation is their life blood. Indeed, Harlow is proud to be known as the birthplace of fibre optic telecommunications technology.

Harlow Council and Harlow Renaissance Ltd is placing high priority on making Harlow the first choice for business and is keen to talk to local business and those seeking to locate to the town about their needs. The town’s business community and aspiring entrepreneurs have the support of an active Chamber of Commerce, local Federation of Small Business and Business Link services.

Harlow is a great place to invest for the future. Visit Harlow and see something different.

Contact information:
regen.enquiries@harlow.gov.uk or visit www.harlow.gov.uk, www.harlowrenaissance.co.uk and www.visitharlow.com