Behind the scenes of Building Harlow’s Future – Council Leader’s weekly column

By Dan Swords

EVERY week, I find it a challenge to focus this column on just one story, because Harlow is moving forward on so many fronts at once. There’s always another breakthrough, another milestone, another reason to feel optimistic. But this week, I want to take you behind the scenes of something truly transformative: the wave of private-sector investment that is reshaping our town and securing its future.

It’s worth remembering that Harlow was built on enterprise. From the very beginning, private-sector investment brought incredible industries here, creating thousands of well-paid, secure jobs for residents and giving our town its character, ambition, and sense of purpose. The first residents of Harlow New Town didn’t just come for a new home – often it started with a new job.

Every month, as I walk around Harlow – through our town centre, past our parks, along our streets – I am struck by how far we’ve come. There’s a tangible energy in the air, a sense that Harlow is beginning to reclaim the optimism and ambition it deserves. That is exactly what our Building Harlow’s Future plan is about, and why our mission to ‘Secure Our Future’ is so vital. It’s about restoring confidence – confidence in the council, confidence in our residents, and perhaps most importantly, confidence from the private sector to invest, build, and believe in Harlow once again.

For decades, Harlow suffered not just from ageing buildings or neglected infrastructure, but from something deeper: a loss of faith. Investors looked elsewhere. Developers hesitated. Businesses that once saw Harlow as a place of opportunity began to doubt. And with that decline in belief came a decline in investment – a cycle that held the town back. Empty buildings and vacant plots became symbols not just of decay, but of lost opportunity.

And why did that happen? Because the private sector had lost confidence in the council and the town.

And why does it matter? Because it means fewer opportunities for your children and grandchildren.

But that tide is turning. Harlow is now a place that people and businesses are excited about. No district in the United Kingdom has secured more investment for its future than Harlow. Billions of pounds are flowing into modernising infrastructure, upgrading transport, creating new homes, attracting major employers, and delivering opportunities for residents. This is investment on a scale that has the power to transform a town – and I can say with confidence, it is happening.

I could give dozens of examples, but let me highlight just five from this month alone – examples that show what confidence can do:

The £55 million Identitee scheme at Harlow Innovation Park, which the council secured, will bring cutting-edge businesses and high-skilled innovation jobs to our town, helping Harlow become a hub for the economy of the future.

The £28 million David Lloyd development, also at the Innovation Park, has captured attention nationwide. Their first tranche of memberships sold out in just 18 minutes – faster than anywhere else in the country.

Our deal with Co-Space to move into Market House will create 300 jobs, bringing energy, entrepreneurship, and innovation to the town centre. Long-neglected buildings will be transformed into vibrant hubs of opportunity.

The new multi-million-pound industrial hub on Howard Way, fully funded by Legal and General, will provide modern space for businesses to grow and create employment – a tangible boost for our local economy and for residents seeking long-term career opportunities.

Kao Data continues to invest hundreds of millions to put Harlow on the global map as a hub for AI-driven data centres, showing that our town is not only rising locally, but attracting attention on a world stage.

It is indisputable – even for the doomsters on Facebook – that Harlow is seeing a new wave of investment on a scale unrivalled anywhere else. These examples are proof – proof that private investors are seeing what we see: a town full of potential, ambition, and opportunity.

That is why private investment is so vital: the council cannot, and should not, do it all alone. I don’t think anyone could suggest that we’re not doing our bit, with hundreds of millions of pounds of direct council investment. But when it comes to the private sector, our role is to unlock potential, catalyse opportunities, and set a clear vision that others can buy into. Private investment is the multiplier that turns vision into reality, creating better jobs, stronger businesses, and a more resilient local economy.

But beyond the bricks, the balance sheets, and the buildings, the real impact is deeply personal. It is about people. It is about ensuring that your children and grandchildren will grow up in a better Harlow – a Harlow where they do not need to leave to access first-class careers, modern facilities, and exciting opportunities. A Harlow that gives them every reason to stay, thrive, and be proud of the town they call home.

For me, that is what makes these months so special. Seeing projects take shape, meeting entrepreneurs and residents who are excited about the future and knowing that we are creating momentum that will last for generations – it reminds me why we do this work.

Confidence has returned. Investment is flowing. Momentum is building. And together, we are laying the foundations for a Harlow that is renewed, restored, and ready to thrive.

The renewed confidence of the private sector to invest in Harlow’s regeneration is powerful proof that Building Harlow’s Future is not just a plan – it is becoming a reality.

We are delivering on our mission to Secure Our Future.

We are Building Harlow’s Future.