Project to build 103 new homes in Harlow will ‘restore pride in town’

Harlow Council has announced work to build 103 new homes across the town to help cut energy bills for local families. The first phase of the council’s housebuilding programme is underway as part of town regeneration plans that are expected to happen at 11 sites in the area.

Building work at eight of those sites started this week, with work at a further two to begin before Christmas. Construction of the first part of the scheme is scheduled to be finished by autumn next year.

Proposed locations include the former Lister House site on Perry Road, the disused garage area in Arkwrights, and the Staple Tye depots on Parnall Road. These 11 sites are expected to provide a mixture of house types, including apartments and bungalows.

The proposed houses in Arkwright are one of the sites where work will begin this week. Features on the proposed houses in Arkwright will have high levels of insulation and solar panels for improved energy efficiency.

They will also include allocated parking and electric vehicle charging points. Councillor Dan Swords, leader of Harlow Council, said: “We are delivering on our priority to rebuild our town and that includes phase 1 of our Council House Building Programme.

“Before Christmas, we will be on-site starting work on 103 new council homes for Harlow families and the work at Arkwrights represents the first of those schemes beginning.” Councillor Michael Hardware, cabinet portfolio holder for economic development, added: “This development will include electric vehicle charging points as well as energy-saving measures to future-proof them for Harlow families on our Housing Needs Register.

“These vital features will help keep energy bills low for residents as we reduce our need for fossil fuels through renewable energy. The Arkwrights development isn’t just about building new council homes for Harlow families though; it is another area of our town being regenerated with this being a former disused garage block.

“The scheme includes a new landscaped area, providing better access for existing residents from Arkwrights to the existing community allotment gardens. We are regenerating neighbourhoods and restoring pride in our town, all with the aim of improving the lives of our residents.”

References

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