There is an identified need to provide up to 18,100sqm of comparison floorspace and up to 3,200sqm of convenience floorspace in Harlow up to 2026.

In order to plan for residential development coming forward in the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town beyond this period, an indicative requirement for up to 40,200sqm of comparison floorspace and up to 5,500sqm of convenience floorspace has been identified.

A Town Centre Area Action Plan (HTCAAP) will be prepared for Harlow Town Centre. The town centre boundary is shown on the Policies Map, reference RS2-1.

The HTCAAP will look to deliver a significant proportion of the retail floorspace requirements through site redevelopment and regeneration opportunities, and will identify the future retail floorspace capacity of the town centre.

The HTCAAP will also identify environmental and public realm improvements, access and infrastructure schemes, and opportunities for providing a broader range of uses in the town centre including community, leisure, commercial and residential uses.

The remaining floorspace requirement will be delivered through redevelopment opportunities in the district’s Neighbourhood Centres and Hatches.

New retail centres which provide a mix of retail facilities and community services will be delivered in new settlements. They must be well connected and within walking distance for the residents of that development.

For more information, please visit Harlow’s Local Plan here.