A consultation on plans to completely transform Market Square as part of the regeneration of Harlow Town centre is now live.
The rebuilding of Market Square will be unlike previous investments into the area and will instead for a major rebuild alongside further development coming forward to the buildings surrounding the square. The council’s Town Centre Masterplan identified the area as the town centre’s new hub for leisure and hospitality with a vision of new bars, restaurants, nightlife and other such offerings set to complement the plans.
To bring that vision to life, money secured from the government from the £23.7m Towns Fund will be used for the redevelopment, and plans have now been drawn up with options for what Market Square could look like. Harlow Council is now launching a consultation for residents and local businesses to have their say on the proposals.
The proposals include several new features not previously seen in the area, including an interactive water feature, useable green space, a rain garden, timber decking and a natural playground. There are also plans to make regular use of the space with opportunities for street trading and pop-up stalls, local markets, art displays and other events.
The proposals are part of the council’s regeneration programme which aim to put the heart back into Harlow town centre. Other schemes include improvements to Terminus Street, Broad Walk, the new Sustainable Transport Interchange and the Arts and Cultural Quarter in Playhouse Square.
Commenting on the proposals, Councillor Dan Swords, leader of Harlow Council, said: “We want the Market Square area to become a bustling hub of activity once again.
“These radical changes are going to completely transform what has unfortunately been a neglected area of the town centre; there are things in these plans that have not been seen in the area before and will once again make the north end of the town centre a welcoming, pleasant place to go.
“With plenty of play area equipment, green space in which to relax and socialise and even a water feature, it will be a place that families will love to visit.
“The addition of stalls, markets, art and events will also encourage people to come back and enjoy the area. Our plan is to make this area the hub for leisure, hospitality and night-life in the town centre.
“I encourage as many residents and business owners as possible to take part in the consultation; whilst I think these proposals are fantastic and further deliver on our priorities to rebuild and restore pride in our town, we need your views too before we progress the project further.
“This scheme is one of many that we have secured funding for to truly transform Harlow town centre.”
To have your say, you can complete the online questionnaire which will run until May 2024.
There will also be opportunities for residents to visit the Discover Harlow Hub in the Harvey Centre to discuss the plans with members of the council’s Regeneration team.
The hub is normally open on Thursdays from 10am to 2pm.