REGENERATION
INWARD INVESTMENT
Harlow – a town of growth and opportunity
Finding the right location is one of the most important aspects for any business. A growing economy, excellent
communications and access to a skilled workforce are all imperative - there is now a place that fits the bill…
ver the next few years, Harlow will be transformed
Ointo 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
58 July / August 2009
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.
Top: The award winning Newhall development; Above: Antanas Brazdys’
Solo Flight, just one of the 160 public sculptures across the town
For more information:
Contact regen.enquiries@harlow.gov.uk
or visit harlow.gov.uk,
harlowrenaissance.co.uk and
visitharlow.com
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