Harlow council has today begun a search for a development partner for its £300m regeneration plans.
Australian property firm Stockland withdrew from the 1.3m sq ft Harlow Town Centre North scheme last May citing the turbulence in the property market as the reason.
The council is now looking for a new partner for the scheme, which has been be rebranded Stone Cross.
Developers are expected to go onto a shortlist in September this year, with formal confirmation of the winner in late November or early December. Work is likely to start on the site in 2013 and should be finished in 2016.
The scheme includes a flagship department store, multiscreen cinema, shops, restaurants and cafes and the rebuilding of a 3,000 sq ft former market square.
Councillor Russell Perrin, chairman of Harlow council’s regeneration and enterprise working group, said: “We think the time is now right for this project. It is well defined, and offers major opportunities for retailers in a vibrant town centre just 25 miles from London. We have already had informal talks with major retailers, and they recognise that Harlow is a town ripe for this sort of development. It will bring with it some visually striking public areas, so absolutely builds on Harlow’s heritage as an open and attractive place to work and shop.”
nick.whitten@estatesgazette.com
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