On the border of Hertfordshire, nestled between Broxbourne to the west and Chelmsford to the east sits the town of Harlow. Originally an ancient settlement, Harlow developed exponentially in the 20th century when developed in the late 1940s as a new town. Although this new settlement greatly altered the fabric of Harlow, much of this new town, especially in the south, is founded on medieval manors and ancient settlements stretching far back into history! The design and character of this mid-century new town still holds true in the fabric of Harlow today - with many houses in the southern strip of Harlow mid-century terraces with white-panel fronting and 70s style housing blocks.

Whilst re-born entirely during the mid-century - Harlow’s origins as a settlement stretch back thousands of years. From archaeological excavations revealing Iron Age settlement, to the discovered site of the Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva! This area, known as Old Harlow, sits in the northeast of the town. Most of the new development stretched from the west of the old settlement, expanding into the land toward Roydon.

Harlow was designated as the site for one of the many new towns to be created by the British government following WWII. Many working class citizens of cities, such as London, were besieged by poverty, a lack of social welfare, and incredibly poor housing. The New Towns Act of 1946 designated that new towns be built to ease these intense social issues. Sir Frederick Gibberd, inspired by the work of Sir Ebenezer Howard and his work garden-city concept (found at Welwyn Garden City) designed the Harlow New Town. The masterplan designed Harlow Town as a self-contained and self-sustainable community, rather than simply one of London’s many satellite towns - still felt in the fabric of the vibrant community today. Gibberd was also responsible for the design of what’s known as BISF houses - a steel-framed housing unit popularised after 1947, which typified much social housing across the country, and particularly in Harlow!

Harlow is currently preparing for a massive regeneration programme that will re-vitalise the central urban area of the town. The past twenty years or so have seen Harlow fall to disrepair and mismanagement, and this new regeneration project aims to heal the wounds of austerity felt deeply by Harlow’s residents. Harlow Council, alongside other fellow councils in Hertfordshire and Essex, have identified the potential for the construction of 16,000 new homes across Harlow and Gilston, with 7,000 more dedicated to the Gilston area in the north. Next to this, the council is aiming to regenerate the historic connection of Harlow to the arts - with the Playhouse Square and College Square receiving over £19 million in government funding!