Harlow District council has selected Stockland Halladale as its preferred developer for the regeneration of the Town centre North site, incorporating the Market Square Quarter of the Essex new town.

The developer was selected from a shortlist of four, cut down from an original 16 applicants, and it will now enjoy a six month exclusivity period to work with Harlow Council, English Partnerships, EEDA and Essex County Council and develop its proposals.

The regeneration is part of the council's strategy to transform Harlow into a sub-regional shopping centre. The mixed-use development will incorporate retail, leisure, commercial units, residential and public spaces in a bid to re-integrate the north side and market square quarter into the existing town centre.

It is envisaged that following consultation a planning application will be made during Spring 2009 with work then scheduled to start in late 2009 or early 2010.