Work has begun to strip out the former Bhs store in Harlow ahead of the next phase of the town’s major regeneration.
The unit in the Harvey Centre has been empty since 2016. However, Harlow Council, which acquired the centre in 2022 and the lease of the Bhs unit last year, is stripping it out ready for demolition and redevelopment next year.
The work is being coordinated with The Hill Group as part of the Harlow Regeneration Partnership.
The demolition will enable the partnership between the developer and the council to build a mixed-use redevelopment of the site, subject to planning permission.
The redevelopment will support wider regeneration work taking place in the town centre, particularly the new Harlow Arts and Cultural Quarter. Construction work on the quarter is set to start early next year.
The famous Harlow Mural by Joyce Pallot and Henry Collins, which was in the old Bhs café, will be relocated, following work by the council and Harlow Art Trust to put the iconic feature back on public display.
The mural will have a permanent new home in Playhouse Walk at what will become a new entrance to the Harlow Arts and Cultural Quarter.
Cllr Dan Swords, leader of Harlow Council, said: “We are rebuilding the town centre, and the redevelopment of the former BHS store is yet another step in our plan. From Terminus Street to the Playhouse Quarter, from Broad Walk to Market Square, residents will see the major works ramping up over the coming months to deliver a true transformation of the town centre as they know it.
“This is not just a repaving or a lick of paint, but a complete redevelopment of the town centre to deliver a future with new shops, bars, restaurants, a true evening economy and wonderful leisure opportunities. Harlow will once again have a fantastic town centre that residents can be proud of.
“The former Bhs store was iconic in the town, but in recent years it has been another postcard for the decline of the town centre with its doors chained shut for many years. This redevelopment is yet more proof that we are turning the tide on that decline and delivering on our mission to rebuild our town.”
Image: Google.
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