Work will begin in October as part of Harlow Council’s wider regeneration of the town centre, with completion expected by spring 2026.
Councillor Dan Swords, leader of Harlow Council, said: “We are rebuilding our town – not with a lick of paint or new benches, but the biggest regeneration programme of any district council in the country.
“With the bus station starting this month, the Playhouse Quarter next month and the redevelopment of Market Square in October – these are no longer just promises, but the reality of us delivering this once-in-a-generation rebuilding of the town centre.”
The scheme is backed by £23.7 million from the Government’s Towns Fund and will be delivered by Hill Partnerships Ltd.
The plans include hospitality and leisure space, new shops, homes, an open-air market, and a water feature.
The council has also taken ownership of Market House and Adams House, home to the Market Square clock, which will be restored and incorporated into the new design.
Mr Swords said: “This is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about restoring pride, attracting investment, creating jobs, and giving our residents and visitors a place they love to spend time in.
“When the construction starts and the changes take shape, people will see that this is not a dream or a distant plan – it’s happening now.
“We are bringing back the buzz, boosting our economy, and building a town centre that all residents – young or old – can be proud of.”
The Market Square redevelopment forms part of a broader programme to revitalise the town centre, with work also beginning soon on the bus station and Playhouse Square.
The council aims to create a unified, modern way into the town for visitors and a new cultural district for residents.
Other improvements are planned across the town centre from Broad Walk to East Gate.
The council said the ‘Building Harlow’s Future’ programme has now moved from planning to delivery, marking a new chapter for the area.
