Work to begin on £34m revamp of town centre
Harlow CouncilWork to create a new £34m arts and cultural quarter in a town is set to begin this summer.
Harlow Council in Essex said the development would transform the area surrounding the Playhouse theatre for generations to come.
A live performance venue, a public square and 47 homes have been included in the plans, supported by almost £20m in government funding.
Conservative council leader Dan Swords said it would become the "beating heart" of the town.
Harlow became one of the UK's first post-war settlements in 1947.
The work to modernise it was supposed to begin in autumn 2024, but a summer start was confirmed on Tuesday after a contractor was appointed.
It followed Occasio House being purchased for £1m by the council and then being demolished to free up land.
Harlow Council"This is a proud moment for Harlow," Swords added.
"Signing the contract means we're not just talking about the rebuilding of the town centre – we're delivering it."
Also included in the blueprints were:
- A new cafe and booking office for the Playhouse theatre
- Modern studio spaces and a new music school
- Upgrades to the Haydens Road underpass
- A new home for the Gibberd Gallery
Other transformation projects in Broad Walk, the Market Square and the bus station continued, the council said.
"The arts and cultural quarter will be the beating heart of our regenerated town centre – a vibrant hub of creativity and inspiration that celebrates Harlow's heritage and future," Swords said.
"It will build on the outstanding work of Harlow Playhouse and create something truly special for generations to come."
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