I went back to the Exhibition about the new development that will transform the Town Centre, mainly to gauge views of local residents and shop keepers. There seems to be a strong groundswell of support from everybody for the proposals - and no wonder, as I have written previously in my blog - they are exciting and visionary. It was good to see so many people at the exhibition. One elderly couple said to me the plans were 'ten years too late'. When I asked why, they said they might not be around to enjoy them. When I said to them that the main parts of the development would be completed by 2013, they seemed much relieved!
Understandably the shops around Adams House, are a little concerned as to how they will be relocated. They are also worried about the new rental costs and I have promised to find out from Stocklands (the developers), how this will be resolved. I regularly get my hair cut at the barber just by Adam's House, and the sandwich shop is one of my favourite haunts for really good coffee and sandwiches. I and many other customers, would be keen for these shops to have a proper home, when the new development is finally completed.
I did have a brief discussion with a Stocklands representative about the issue, and I have to say I am thus far impressed that they seem to be making great efforts to engage with the community. I understand from John Curry of the Harlow Civic Society, that they are having meetings with Stocklands as well, which is good news as it is vital that the plans reflect Harlow's rich history and heritage.
Understandably the shops around Adams House, are a little concerned as to how they will be relocated. They are also worried about the new rental costs and I have promised to find out from Stocklands (the developers), how this will be resolved. I regularly get my hair cut at the barber just by Adam's House, and the sandwich shop is one of my favourite haunts for really good coffee and sandwiches. I and many other customers, would be keen for these shops to have a proper home, when the new development is finally completed.
I did have a brief discussion with a Stocklands representative about the issue, and I have to say I am thus far impressed that they seem to be making great efforts to engage with the community. I understand from John Curry of the Harlow Civic Society, that they are having meetings with Stocklands as well, which is good news as it is vital that the plans reflect Harlow's rich history and heritage.
After the exhibition, Vanda and I went to watch a little of the Music Festival and have coffee and a burger (mine was without bread as I am keeping to my diet). The bands were excellent and I congratulate Richard, the Town Centre Development Manager from Harlow Council, for all the excellent work he does to make these sort of events possible.
I have put some more photos up of the proposed plans, in case you haven't seen them yet. If you have time, it is well worth a visit. I think that the last day of the exhibition is tomorrow.
I have put some more photos up of the proposed plans, in case you haven't seen them yet. If you have time, it is well worth a visit. I think that the last day of the exhibition is tomorrow.
By Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com
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