CONSTRUCTION work began yesterday to transform Market Square and the surrounding buildings, including Market House, Adams House, and The Rows, as part of Harlow Council’s major town centre regeneration programme. The redevelopment will create a vibrant destination for leisure, hospitality, retail, and community activity.

Contractors are working to bring new life to this long-disused part of the town centre, introducing new bars, restaurants, nightlife, shops, high-quality homes, market stalls, and street trading spaces. With the programme to be completed by the summer, the area will be transformed with high-quality granite paved public spaces, landscaped green areas, CCTV, high-quality lighting columns, sustainable drainage, outdoor seating, and a striking water jet feature, creating a welcoming environment for residents and visitors throughout the day, evening and night.

The transformation of Market Square, preserving and revitalising Harlow’s heritage, is just one part of the council’s comprehensive town centre regeneration, the largest programme of its kind undertaken by any district council in the UK. Other key schemes include the renewal of Broad Walk, the creation of a new transport interchange at the former bus station, the development of the Arts and Cultural Quarter at Playhouse Square, and the complete redevelopment of the Strawberry Star site.

Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:

“Market Square was once the beating heart of Harlow. This regeneration, now under way, is about completely transforming that area. A space that for too long has been neglected and avoided is being completely rebuilt into a lively town centre hub, active day and night, with places to meet, shop, eat, and enjoy a proper night out.

“Residents have been clear for years that they want better nightlife, real market space, and high-quality hospitality and leisure. This project is about delivering exactly that – and turning long-standing commitments into reality.

“This is not about plant pots or a lick of paint. It is the complete rebuilding of Market Square, under way now and finishing next year. By transforming Market House, Adams House and The Rows, and introducing new homes, shops, restaurants, offices, outdoor dining and high-quality public space, we are creating a town centre people can be proud of. Market Square will no longer be a forgotten corner of Harlow – it will be a place people choose to spend their time.

“This transformation is about pride, opportunity and the future of our town. We are attracting investment, supporting jobs, and rebuilding our town centre for the long term. We are delivering on our promises and Building Harlow’s Future.”

The project is supported by the Towns Fund and is on track for completion by summer 2026.