AMBITIOUS plans to turn Harlow into a new enterprise zone are one step closer to winning Government backing after making it through to the next round of the selection process.
Last week the Star reported how proposals for the creation of a sprawling 126-acre ‘silicon valley’ in the heart of the town’s industrial area had been submitted to the regional Local Enterprise Partnership for consideration.
On Thursday the partnership covering Essex, East Sussex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock announced the Harlow bid - drawn up by Harlow Council, Essex County Council and private sector-led group West Essex Alliance - was one of two to have been selected for further scrutiny.
It will now be passed on to Secretary of State for Local Government Eric Pickles for consideration alongside the partnership’s preferred bid – Discovery Park in Sandwich, Kent.
According to the judging panel, the Harlow scheme was selected for its focus on supporting small and medium sized businesses in the medical technology and advanced manufacturing sectors, both of which are vital to Harlow’s existing economy.
The proposals also won support for clearly demonstrating how thousands of new jobs could be generated across the zone, which would incorporate a 57-acre mixed-use site off London Road and a 69-acre industrial area covering the north-eastern corner of Templefields.
Russell Perrin, Harlow Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and enterprise, described the bid’s selection as "great news for the town".
He added: "The LEP’s decision to put Harlow forward as a second enterprise zone is a huge vote of confidence in Harlow as a business location and an area with fantastic investment potential.
"We are now working hard on extra areas of detail on our application. We’re confident that, with the LEP’s backing, the Government will see the strength of our application."
Harlow MP Rob Halfon added: "There is still a long way to go but it’s great news that the proposals have made it through to the next stage.
"To get this far is testament to Harlow’s strengths and to the incredible hard work that has been put into this bid by Harlow Council, Essex County Council and the West Essex Alliance.
"This is what the Localism Bill is all about; genuine communities coming together to fight for a better deal. To reach this stage in the process is proof that Harlow is open for business."
