What next for Harlow?

After a few weeks of rumours and speculation, it has finally been confirmed that Harlow Renaissance, Harlow's regeneration company, is to cease trading at the end of the financial year.

Harlow Renaissance came into being in July 2006 and was charged with "driving forward the regeneration and growth process in Harlow". Their role was to deliver a range of renewal programmes in the short-term whilst paving the way for longer-term growth opportunities and a more prosperous town.

Opinions about whether or not they have suceeded in their aims varies depending upon who you speak to but one thing that can't be disputed is that they have been invaluable in giving those of us who live and work in the Town a single point of contact with regards regeneration and the formation of a vision for the future of the Town.

As a local architectural practice we have invested significant time and effort over the last two years in seeking out Harlow Renaissance, building relationship and in participating in their various workshops, brainstorming activities and trying to establish a constructive dialogue over how those of us who are local professionals can get involved with the reshaping of the vision for Harlow. Now, all that effort would appear to have been a waste of time, or has it?

The big challenge that faces Harlow Council now that this news has been confirmed is how do we, as a town, maintain the momentum that was starting to build behind the shaping of a new vision for Harlow and, then, delivering upon it. here are a few of my thoughts:

Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater!

We must not lose some of the great work that Harlow Renaissance have done. The emerging Design Guide for Harlow is long overdue and MUST be seen through to completion if the Planning Department are to stand any chance of controlling the design quality of future development, for too long we have been held hostage by the Essex Design Guide which is better suited to rural environments and traditional architecture than the modern urban new town environment.

Don't be afraid to ask for help!

There are many construction professionals in Harlow who have a vested interest in helping to shape the future of the town, not just because development equals work but also because we live here and development will have a material impact on our lives and those of our children. One of the regular grumbles that I hear is that the "powers that be" are more willing to spend time and money listening to the advice of Architects and Urban Designers from London or Derby than they are to listen to the same professionals in Harlow - many of whom would gladly donate their time!

Don't be afraid to think outside the box!

The long term regeneration of Harlow has, for too long, been assumed to be dependant on either the development of Harlow North or the wholesale redevelopment of the Town Centre. It is becoming increasingly clear that, in these "post credit crunch" times relying on a developer undertaking to fund the redevelopment of whole swathes of Town Centre land (with all the complications of Compulsory Purchase Orders and opposition from existing land owners) is unrealistic. Not only is it unlikely that a commercially viable scheme can be compiled, in 50 years time Harlow will face the same problems it faces now! Why not encourage Land Owners to partner with the Council to deliver meaningful redevelopment of individual properties or groups of buildings within an agreed brief and design framework?

Be proactive!

Seize the initiative - Harlow now has its future in its own hands, not in the hands of a company headed up by people who have no connection with the Town. I assume that the responsability for the regeneration of Harlow will now revert to the Council's Regeneration Team, why not bolster their skills be co-opting in specific skills and professionals from within the Town to help strengthen the team and bring a sense of clarity to what can be achieved and by when?

Personally, I hope that our efforts over the past two years have not been a complete waste of time and that we will get the opportunity to contribute to the redevelopment of Harlow in the coming years. I for one simply want the opportunity to share my vision of what this town could become!

notes:

To read more about the future of Harlow Renaissance please visit either the News Section of their website or, alternatively, The Harlow Star.

The photos used in this blog are courtesy  of the Harlow Civic Society.