Yet another household brand is investing in Harlow with Marks & Spencer announcing that a new food and fashion store will open in the town next year, creating 200-300 new jobs for local people.
Leader of Harlow Council and HGGT Chair, Cllr Dan Swords, and M&S Chief Executive Stuart Machin, confirmed that the retailer will launch a purpose‑built flagship store across two storeys and 50,000 sq ft on Edinburgh Way, replacing the former driving training centre.
M&S join IKEA and David Lloyd Leisure who both launched in Harlow last year and are contributing towards Harlow & Gilston Garden Town’s long-term target of 1000 new jobs per year over the next two decades.
Speaking about the new store announcement, Cllr Swords commented: “This is a huge moment for our town and a real vote of confidence in Harlow’s future.
“Many doubted it could be done, but we made the case to M&S for two years and they have seen the ambition, growth and regeneration happening here.
“Every day I say we are Building Harlow’s Future and today we are proving it with new jobs, new investment and the UK’s most loved brand choosing Harlow.
“We are delivering the biggest regeneration programme in the country and today’s news is the greatest proof of that fact.”
Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, added: “The proactive steps taken by Dan Swords and his colleagues to attract new investment in Harlow and demonstrate the growth prospects for the area have been pivotal in our decision.”
