HARLOW’S neighbourhood shopping centres and hatches are buzzing with life, with 99.9% of all retail units currently occupied reports Harlow

From Bush Fair to The Stow, Prentice Place, and across 18 smaller shopping hatches, these spaces host a vibrant mix of national retailers and independent traders. Many are run by local families who serve the community daily and help drive Harlow’s economy forward.

This success is no accident. It’s the result of major council investment through the Building Harlow’s Future plan, which ensures every neighbourhood centre thrives – not just the town centre.

This major investment is funding:

• Essential repairs and upgrades to shopfronts, CCTV, roofs, paving, and lighting
• Improvements to public spaces to make them safer, cleaner, and more welcoming
• Refurbishment of car parks, alongside free parking periods to support local shopping
• Enhanced accessibility features to ensure centres are inclusive and accessible to all

This work supports the council’s six missions, particularly ‘renewing our neighbourhoods’ and ‘securing our future’, ensuring Harlow’s local shopping areas remain vibrant, successful, and central to community life for decades to come.

Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:

“Neighbourhood centres and hatches are the beating heart of our communities – places where people shop, meet, and connect. Harlow had the first neighbourhood centre in the country, and we’re proud to continue that legacy. That’s why we’re investing heavily to renew them, making sure they’re safe, welcoming, and full of opportunity. While many towns face boarded-up shops, 99.9% of our neighbourhood shop units in the neighbourhood shopping centres and hatches are full. That is an amazing achievement which shows how we’re backing local businesses and growing the local economy.

“We promised to Build Harlow’s Future in every corner of the town – and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

The council says that the near-total occupancy rate, combined with growing interest from both established brands and local entrepreneurs, highlights the strength and appeal of Harlow’s neighbourhood retail locations.