Harlow: Town To Get Share Of £415m

29 January 2014, 00:00

Harlow is to get a share of £415 million in funding to help create jobs and boost business.

Enterprise Zones from around the country are to share the money which has come from the Government. 

£300 million is to be spent giving 300,000 small retail firms £1,000 off their next tax bill, £100 million will got towards supporting "critical business infrastructure" and £15 million will be spent on establishing new University Enterprise Zones in eight main cities. 

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: "As part of our long term economic plan, we are backing business and enterprise right across the country, helping town centres and local industries to prosper, and building a stronger economy. 

"This money for infrastructure will transform acres of Enterprise Zone land and build a stronger, more competitive business environment that will create up to 3000 jobs for hardworking people across the country. 

"While our fully funded £1,000 retail discount will make a huge difference to 300,000 of the essential small shops and local traders we find in our town centres across the country." 

The Enterprise Zone in Harlow is among twelve Enterprise Zone bids shortlisted to complete critical "nuts and bolts" infrastructure that will turn dormant sites into prime economic land, attracting new businesses and jobs to Harlow, Humber, Leeds, Sheffield, Discovery Park in Kent, Oxford, Daresbury, Alconbury, London's Royal Docks, the Black Country, Nottingham and the Solent.

Councillor Tony Durcan, Harlow Council's Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Resources and Enterprise, said: "This is fantastic news for Harlow and for the development of the Enterprise Zone. Harlow Enterprise Zone is already attracting interest from some major potential occupiers, including international businesses, demonstrating Harlow’s strengths as a major business location. 

"The grant award will enable us to deliver on this potential by providing the Enterprise Zone with the necessary supporting infrastructure such as roads, power and water. 

"This will then bring businesses in to provide new jobs and create new opportunities for local people. I would like to add my own thanks to the many partners who have all worked hard on this project.”