RESIDENTS in Harlow will soon see even more visible construction activity in the town centre as demolition work is set to begin at the West Gate site – marking a significant milestone in the council’s plans to transform the heart of the town.

A Harlow Council spokesperson said: “The works represent another step forward in delivering the council’s mission to ‘rebuild our town’, with long-derelict buildings set to be cleared to make way for major redevelopment.

Earlier this year the council secured a landmark deal and collaboration partnership that will finally transform this site, which stretches from the old Little Walk shopping arcade down to Broad Walk and around East Gate and West Gate.

“Site owners SSRE Investment 4 Ltd – acting through administrators at RSM UK have confirmed that contractors are starting on site to demolish the remaining structures. This follows years of inactivity, with the site largely vacant and the final retailers leaving in 2025.

While the buildings are among the last remaining elements of Harlow’s original town centre, they have stood unused for several years. Preparatory work has already been completed, including the installation of site hoardings and extensive surveys, to ensure demolition can be carried out safely and efficiently.

Erith Group has been appointed as the contractor to deliver the works, which will take place in phases. Initial activity will focus on scaffolding and “soft strip” works to remove internal fixtures. This will be followed later in the summer by full demolition to ground level, including the removal of foundations and floor slabs.

The overall demolition programme is expected to continue through to the end of 2026, alongside works to remove and reroute outdated utilities across the site.

“Plans for the future of the site are currently being developed”.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Councillor Dan Swords, the Leader of Harlow Council, said:

“For years, the former Little Walk site and surrounding area has stood empty, neglected, and holding our town back. Developers made promises, but promises alone don’t regenerate a town. Action does.

“After years of delay and failure, we stepped in. Following months of determined work and negotiation, we secured a landmark agreement that puts Harlow back in control of this crucial site.

“Today, I’m pleased to confirm that demolition is now underway to clear the area and prepare it for the future Harlow deserves. This is a complex programme and it will take time – but make no mistake, this marks the start of real, visible transformation to this area.

“And this is just the beginning. Across the town centre, we are unlocking key sites, driving regeneration forward, and rebuilding the heart of Harlow piece by piece – because no part of our town centre will be left behind.
“We are turning the page on years of decline, restoring pride in our community, and reigniting ambition for our future. We are building a town that people can once again feel proud to call home. We’re building Harlow’s future.”