Harrow Town Centre is poised to undergo a major transformation with an injection of £8.2 million in funding, following the recent approval of ambitious plans by the central government.
The funding, which was initially allocated for a footbridge, will now be redirected to various projects aimed at revitalising the town centre.
During a meeting held by the Cabinet last night, councillors announced that the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has given the green light for £7.1 million of the investment to be allocated towards enhancing the Harrow metropolitan town centre area. The funding will be supplemented by an additional £1.1 million from the Borough funding through the Community Infrastructure Levy scheme.
Councillor Norman Stevenson, Portfolio Holder for Business, Employment, and Property, stated, “I’m delighted that we have persuaded DLUHC to use this money where it will have the most impact for our residents.”
He further expanded upon the significance of improving the pedestrian route from Harrow on the Hill station to the town centre, highlighting its vital role in boosting the local economy, especially during evenings when many people return to the borough.
Councillor Stevenson also highlighted the need to replace the retail kiosks on St Ann’s Road and expressed excitement about the development of temporary commercial workspaces at Greenhill Way Car Park, which will enable testing the market, providing affordable workspace, and altering the area’s perception to attract people and increase footfall.
The proposed projects aim to enhance the overall experience of Harrow Town Centre, driving growth and ensuring its long-term sustainability. The investment in public spaces will improve accessibility for pedestrians, creating an environment conducive to increased footfall. By focusing on Harrow Town Centre, the council believes it will provide the best opportunity for shoppers to utilise public transport to access the area.
The proposed plan involves the development of affordable commercial workspaces at Greenhill Way Car Park. The objective is to change the perception of the area following the closure of Debenhams/Landmark. The council will allocate part of the car park as the project site, providing funding for the design, business case, and construction of the approved plan.
Additionally, the plan includes replacing the current low-quality kiosks on St Ann’s Road with new ones that will offer access to power and water, along with improved security. The design work for the new kiosks will be handled internally by the council.
Louise Baxter, Manager of Harrow Town Centre BID who are responsible for the management of the town centre, expressed her delight at the forthcoming investment, saying, “We are delighted that Harrow Town Center is gaining this investment, which will help improve the look and flow of the town.”
Louise also expressed her organisation’s enthusiasm to collaborate with the Council on the project, hoping that it will revitalise the area, attract more footfall, and increase the time visitors spend in Harrow.
The council plans to share the proposed designs with the public through a consultation and engagement process scheduled to take place in late summer or autumn, to gather residents’ opinions on the plans.
