A centrepiece of Harlow Council’s Town Centre regeneration has begun construction and will transform Playhouse Square and College Square into a new Arts & Cultural Quarter.
Works have begun on the former Occasio House site and are set to progress to the Playhouse Theatre shortly, resulting in the taxi rank moving next to St Paul’s Church.
The Arts & Cultural Quarter will not only make Harlow Town Centre and the wider Harlow & Gilston Garden Town development an active and vibrant go-to destination but a regional powerhouse for creativity, attracting talent, investment, and visitors from across the East of England.
Harlow’s Arts & Cultural Quarter will include:
• An inspiring new live performance venue and exhibition spaces
• A welcoming new café/restaurant and booking office for the Playhouse
• A state-of-the-art music school and recording studios
• Modern studio spaces for both community and commercial use
• A new home for the Gibberd Gallery
• A beautifully improved public realm, including a vibrant public square and tranquil pocket park with an outdoor performance space
• Upgrades to the Haydens Road underpass, improving safety and accessibility
• 47 high-quality new affordable homes for Harlow residents
The Playhouse Quarter is just one phase of Harlow Council’s complete rebuilding of the town centre, with the transformation of Broad Walk nearly finished and major works in Market Square and at the Bus Station progressing.
Commenting on the progress, Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council and Chair of the HGGT Joint Committee, said: “The construction of the new Arts and Cultural Quarter is well underway, again demonstrating that we’re not just talking about the rebuilding of the town centre – we’re delivering it.
“This major redevelopment will be the beating heart of our regenerated town centre and a vibrant hub of creativity and inspiration that celebrates Harlow’s heritage and future.
“It will build on the outstanding work of Harlow Playhouse and create something truly special for generations to come.
“This project is a shining example of how we are Building Harlow’s Future, creating a town centre that is thriving, creative, and full of opportunity.
“With the construction programme moving at pace, we are no longer waiting but delivering on our promise.”
