Harrow Town Centre is to get an £8.2 million boost now central government has agreed that funding previously promised for a footbridge can be spent on different projects.
- Govt funding will transform the walking route from station to town centre
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Greenhill Way car park to accommodate temporary and affordable commercial workspaces for hire until future of the site is known
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New kiosks in St Ann’s Road to revamp conditions for traders old and new
Councillors at last night’s Cabinet heard that after a four-month anxious wait, the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has given the thumbs up for £7.1 million of the significant investment to be switched to improving the Harrow metropolitan town centre area.
The Future High Street Fund money will be supplemented by £1.1million Borough funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy scheme.
Councillor Norman Stevenson, Portfolio Holder for Business, Employment and Property said:
“I’m delighted that we have persuaded DLUHC to use this money where it will have the most impact for our residents.
“Improving the pedestrian route from Harrow on the Hill station through to the town centre will be vital to improving our economy, in particular the evening economy when many people return to the borough.
“We also know that our retail kiosks in St Ann’s Road desperately need replacing to attract and retain our traders and I am particularly excited to see the meanwhile use development at Greenhill Way Car Park which will allow us to test the market, introduce affordable commercial workspace and change the perception of the area, attract people, and increase footfall in the area, which has declined following the closure of Debenhams/Landmark. These are exciting times for the revitalisation of our borough.”
The proposals aim to improve experience, drive growth, and ensure future sustainability of Harrow Town Centre. The public realm investment will improve accessibility for pedestrians and the overall experience. By focusing investment in Harrow Town Centre, councillors heard there is the best opportunity for shoppers to use public transport to access the town centre.
Louise Baxter, Manager of Harrow Town Centre BID (Business Improvement District) said:
“We are delighted that Harrow town centre is gaining this investment which will help improve the look and flow of the town. Harrow BID is looking forward to working with the Council on this project which we hope will revitalise the area to encourage footfall and increase dwell time for current traders.”
Once designs have been created, public consultation and engagement will take place in late summer/autumn to see what residents think of the council plans.