A new public-private partnership has been launched which will deliver town centre and major housing regeneration in Harlow.
Harlow Council and The Hill Group, one of the UK’s leading housebuilders, have joined forces to deliver a programme of new homes as part of the ambitious regeneration of the town.
The Harlow Regeneration Partnership LLP is an equal partnership between the two organisations that will bring forward the development of council-owned, and other sites for regeneration and development, and provide either capital or revenue financial returns against these investments. The partnership is formed on a non-exclusive basis that will also allow Harlow to investigate other options for delivery partnerships where prudent and advantageous to do so.
The partnership will begin work on site later this year. The partnership will also explore options for delivering further town centre regeneration schemes. These will be in addition to government-funded schemes which will deliver a new bus station and Terminus Street, improvements to Broad Walk and the transformation of Playhouse and College Square with a new live performance venue and upgrades to Harlow Playhouse.
Last week Councillor Dan Swords, the Leader of Harlow Council, and Tom Hill, Managing Director of The Hill Group, met to officially launch the ground-breaking partnership for the town, visiting sites in Staple Tye as well as Playhouse Square.
Councillor Dan Swords said that the partnership agreement is part of making Harlow Council’s plans for a once-in-a-lifetime regeneration programme for the town a reality. He said:
“This first partnership will be a major vehicle for delivering Harlow’s once-in-a-lifetime regeneration programme. The deal means that we can say to residents and businesses we are finally getting on with the job of delivering the town centre’s regeneration and building new homes. Harlow Council will be on site this year to start the town centre rebuild and on sites to build high-quality new homes for Harlow families.
“Delivering major regeneration in Harlow that this town needs is not something we can do on our own. This partnership is a game changing moment for the town’s regeneration with private sector expertise and investment, with the council having an equal share. It will be a partnership with capacity to manage multi-million-pound schemes which will regenerate Harlow, create jobs and opportunities for Harlow people and future generations and boost the local economy.
“I am really looking forward to working with The Hill Group who are one of the leading developers in the country. They have an impressive track record of working in partnership with other local councils to successfully deliver major regeneration schemes and address housing shortages by building new council homes and homes for sale. We wish to replicate these successes in Harlow, and we can look ahead positively as we continue transforming our town.”
Tom Hill said:
"We are thrilled to have formed this exciting new partnership with Harlow Council and mark the start of a strong and fruitful partnership where together we will develop sustainable new homes, invest in jobs, training opportunities, and increased social value, ensuring Harlow’s residents are at the centre of our plans.
“We are excited to bring the first sites through planning, with construction to begin in the near future. Hill has a strong track record of collaborating with local authorities to deliver large-scale regeneration, and we are committed to replicating these successes in Harlow, delivering high-quality homes, and revitalising the town centre. This collaboration is a significant step forward in Harlow's journey towards a vibrant and sustainable future, and we are honoured to be a part of it."
Harlow Council's cabinet meeting in March 2023 made the decision to form a partnership with The Hill Group. This came after a rigorous evaluation process supported by independent experts Local Partnerships, which began in December 2022 when developers were invited to submit proposals for working with the council.
