A substantial development in the centre of Harlow has been given the go-ahead by Harlow Council, as they have resolved to grant planning permission, subject to a Section 106 agreement.

The Harlow Quarter scheme, by Strawberry Star, will create 741 new apartments, along with flexible ground floor retail space to attract new cafés and restaurants to this up-and-coming area of the Essex New Town.

Chairman of Strawberry Star, Santhosh Gowda, said: “When Harlow New Town was built it was an exciting new way of living, and the town centre buzzed with life. But 70 years later, the heart had gone out of the centre as online shopping and working from home emptied the streets. Harlow Quarter will create a new buzz for a new generation – revitalising the centre of town with new homes, new businesses and a new style of urban living.”

The scheme will see 578 apartments in a series of buildings, including two landmark towers constructed, following on from Strawberry Star’s earlier application for 163 new homes on part of the same site, with the homes ranging from studios to three-bedroom family homes, and will sit alongside around 3,000 sqm of flexible commercial space and 6,250 sqm of improved public realm.

The vast majority of apartments will benefit from dual aspect views and having a balcony or terrace, as well as access to private roof gardens and courtyards. New walking and cycling routes will be developed, making car-free living convenient.

Cllr Dan Swords, Deputy Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: “The decision by the Development Management Committee reflects the most significant regeneration opportunity in Harlow town centre. Not only will we see new high-quality home and massive improvements to public open space, it will be bring with it almost £50million of investment to the town centre. Alongside our other town centre initiatives, this will be the catalyst for exciting improvements in the years ahead.”

Harlow Quarter is a short walk from Harlow Town station.