The GPF funding was awarded in order to bring forward infrastructure works across the two sites within the Harlow Enterprise Zone.  Completion of these works would unlock both sites within the Enterprise Zone for development. The project was split into two separate elements.  The first element focused on supporting the construction of a new access road to the London Road site.  This access road has been constructed and is now in use.  The construction of the road has been successful in unlocking the site for development. The second element of the project focused on the construction of a new access road into the Templefields site and associated junction improvements.  The lack of access to the Templefields site from Cambridge Road is considered to be the principal barrier to the long-term development of the site.

Project update

The project was considered by Accountability Board on 15th February 2019 and the decision was made to remove the second element of the project from the GPF programme. To date, no work has been undertaken to progress the second element of the project and it has now been confirmed by Essex County Council that they will not be progressing with the construction of the new access road into the Templefields site.  As a result, the decision was taken to remove the second element from the scope of the project.  The first element of the project has been delivered and the GPF funding repaid in full. The GPF funding allocated to the second element of the project will be reallocated to an alternative GPF project, in order to continue to deliver economic growth across the SELEP area.

Growing Places Fund

The Growing Places Fund (GPF) was established by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (formerly the Department for Communities and Local Government) and the Department for Transport (DfT) in 2011. The aim of this funding is to unlock economic growth, create jobs and ‘kick-start’ house building at stalled development sites.