On 18 January 2023 it was announced that £20m had been allocated to Harlow Council for their regeneration scheme.  That’s a big win for Harlow, a marginal seat currently held by the Conservative Party.

The scheme includes a new live music venue, which finally replaces The Square ( The Square was a small independent venue that for years brought new bands to the town, and gave local bands a place to perform.)  It also involves the replacement of Occasio House with a new residential development.  Occasio House was built to provide accommodation for young people starting out.  It has been closed for years, and had become derelict.

Playhouse Square and College Square will be developed into an outdoor venue for events, performances and dining.  The main buildings, which date from Harlow’s birth, are St Paul’s Church, and The Playhouse.  They will remain as centrepieces of the new development.

The council’s press release is here.