Date set for start of town centre transformation

Work to transform Market Square in Harlow is set to start in October

A date has been set for the start of a multi-million pound town centre regeneration project, a council said.

Harlow Council said work on the transformation of Market Square, the main shopping area in the Essex town, would start in October and is expected to finish next spring.

The plans have been supported by a £23.7m injection from the government's Towns Fund and include new bars, restaurants, shops and homes.

"This is about more than bricks and mortar – it's about restoring pride, attracting investment, creating jobs, and giving our residents and visitors a place they love to spend time in," council leader Dan Swords said.

The Conservative councillor added: "When the construction starts and the changes take shape, people will see that this is not a dream or a distant plan – it's happening now."

Conservative council leader Dan Swords insisted the plans were not "a dream"

The plans also include a water feature and open-air market and the restoration of a clock.

It forms part of a wider package, including a £15m rebuild of the town's bus station, which is due to start this month.

Elsewhere in the town, works to improve the area around the Playhouse theatre will begin in September.