Harlow Council

Overview

Laura was lead author of a business case for the Council’s strategic acquisition of the Harvey Centre, thereby securing a key landholding to fulfil its stated ambition for good, sustainable growth in Harlow town centre to benefit residents and businesses.

Despite a clear strategy for the regeneration of Harlow town centre, the Council had limited levers. A rare opportunity arose for the Council to acquire the Harvey Centre, a 450,000 sq ft retail, leisure and community asset at the heart of the town centre. The acquisition would give the Council a c.8.5 acres landholding, equating to 11% of Harlow town centre.

Laura worked closely with town centre retail and investment experts, who undertook extensive due diligence and negotiations to determine a purchase price and terms. As a significant capital investment by the Council, Cabinet approval was required. Laura and her colleagues developed a robust business case for intervention clearly justifying the strategic reasoning, the economic benefits and a forward plan for retention of the asset.

The case for intervention was approved and the acquisition completed in December 2022.