Harrow town centre to be regenerated

Residents and businesses in Harrow are being invited to have their say over plans to redevelop the town centre and 'create a buzz' for locals and visitors alike.

Work is due to begin on transforming St Ann's Road and Havelock Place this autumn and Harrow Council wants to create a new shopping environment that will rival other city boroughs.

It plans to carry out basic maintenance and improve the look of the area by removing old street furniture and removing 'clutter' from the roads. It then wants to create something of a cafe culture, with high quality paving and improved pedestrian access.

But before it makes any improvements, the authority wants the views of the people who live and work in Harrow. It will therefore be holding a number of public consultations in the weeks ahead.

The council has been given £735,000 to fund the regeneration programme, which could provide a real boost to lettings in Harrow by making the area more attractive to potential tenants. An extra £182,000 will be provided by the Mayor of London's Outer London Fund.

"We are committed to developing the economic heart of Harrow and putting the borough on the map," said councillor Keith Ferry. "Economic growth and fresh investment will be encouraged and breathe a fresh lease of life to the town centre."

He added: "The town centre has become outdated and tired looking. Our vision is to encourage more shoppers to the area which will bring business interest and regeneration. We want to support our town centre and secure its future. "

The plans form part of a wide redevelopment programme called The Heart of Harrow, which aims to deliver several major regeneration projects in the area over the next 15 years.

Harrow is not the only London borough planning to revamp its high streets, as Tower Hamlets is also spending money on a number of projects to revitalise town centre spaces.

Posted by Martyn Glynn
 

Published 9th August, 2012

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