Councillors in Harlow have agreed to acquire a 13-storey building and redevelop it for new homes.

A special meeting of Harlow Council was held on June 5 in which members decided Terminus House, an office building converted to housing, and its six-storey car park should be acquired by the authority and redeveloped.

It is one of several converted office blocks in the town which has been used by London Boroughs as temporary accommodation. Harlow councillors said that placed strain on local services and the town centre.

The council will seek to work with housing partners to rehouse existing tenants outside the borough before the agreement is completed to ensure empty possession.

Terminus House is one of several private buildings in the town centre the council is buying as it embarks on its plan to completely rebuild the town centre.

The authority recently purchased Adams House and is close to completing the acquisition of Market House. It has also set out its plan to buy the neglected four-acre site known as the Strawberry Star development which spans Broad Walk, East Gate and West Gate. 

Cllr Dan Swords, leader of the council, said: “We are building Harlow’s future, and we are on a mission to rebuild our town. We are setting our sights high.

“That is why we will be delivering on our promise to buy and redevelop Terminus House. This is a landmark moment which hails a new era for Harlow town centre. This is the most significant property purchase that we are set to complete and our boldest one yet bringing another key building into council ownership.

“Our mission for the town centre is clear: to create one of the best town centres in the UK, an exciting, dynamic space that serves people of all ages, at all times of the day.

“Our bold programme of acquisitions ensures no part of Harlow is left behind, creating a thriving, inclusive town for future generations where pride is restored, and Harlow’s potential is fully realised.

“Redeveloping Terminus House is a huge part of doing just that and building Harlow’s future.”

Image: Google.

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