Controversial town centre building set for revamp

An architect has been appointed to come up with designs to regenerate a controversial former office block that was converted into flats in Essex.

Terminus House, the tallest building in Harlow town centre, has housed hundreds of families and individuals since it was used for temporary accommodation.

However, after Harlow Council exchanged contracts last summer to take over the 14-storey complex, plans were put forward to turn it into a hotel and apartments.

Dan Swords, Conservative leader of Harlow Council, said: "Terminus House has long cast a shadow over Harlow's heart. By appointing architects and pushing ahead at pace, we are turning a symbol of decline into a flagship of renewal."

Between 150 and 200 people were living in the building last summer. The BBC understands most have been found alternative housing.

Glen Lane previously lived in a studio flat there for seven years and said it was "the worst place I have ever lived in", adding that it felt like "an open prison, probably worse than an open prison".

Lane said he has now been moved to a council flat in the town, which is "a lot better than Terminus House".

Grid Architects have been appointed to draw designs to transform Terminus House into new "high-quality" apartments and a hotel. The artistic illustration suggests there could be shops on the ground floor.

Harlow Council said the public will be consulted on the plans. Swords added that the building could be demolished or stripped back to its concrete frame and "will look very different from today".

Harlow Council has become a big landowner in the area as it regenerates the town centre.

It owns the Harvey Centre, a retail site, and has announced plans for new escalators, signage and improvements to the multi-storey carpark.

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