Harlow Council has struck a deal to regenerate the Strawberry Star development, a site that it says has remained unused despite numerous promises of development.
The area from Little Walk to Market Square has been neglected for years, the council claims.
However, this is set to change with construction due to start before the festive season and hoardings to be erected in the coming weeks.
Council leader Cllr Dan Swords said: “For too long, this part of our town centre has been a blight on Harlow.
“That’s why we took bold action earlier this year – to tackle the problem head-on and deliver for our town.
“This deal is the result of sheer determination, detailed work, and incredible skill from everyone involved.
“It shows what can be achieved when you combine ambition with action and when a council refuses to accept failure as an option.
“I’m proud to say we’ve delivered on our promise.
“This is real progress, not just words – but the transformation of this area – action that people will see with their own eyes within months.
“This is what Building Harlow’s Future means: taking on tough challenges, delivering results, and restoring pride in our town.”
The council plans for the site to form part of the transformation of the town centre, which will also include a new bus station and transport hub, and the redevelopment of Broad Walk, Market Square, and the Playhouse Quarter.
Cllr Swords added: “This deal didn’t happen by chance.
“It’s taken dedication, professionalism, and skill to untangle a complex situation and deliver a solution that puts Harlow first.
“We said we’d step in and deliver where others failed – and that’s exactly what we’ve done.
“This is the next step in rebuilding our town centre and our community’s pride.
“Because this is what it means to Build Harlow’s Future.”
