The Occasio House, a former private youth housing complex in Harlow, has been demolished as part of a £20m redevelopment plan to rejuvenate the town centre. The site, located at Playhouse Square, has been vacant since 2016 and was previously used as accommodation and a service centre for young people.

The redevelopment plan includes the construction of a new live performance and music venue, residential apartments, a public square for events, a modern bar and café, and studio spaces for creative use. The decision to demolish and repurpose the site came after the council found that refurbishing the existing building would cost over £7m.

The demolition process, which began in the first week of August, is expected to be completed by December 2023. The council has been donating all usable equipment and furniture from the site to local charities. The project signifies a crucial step in the regeneration of Harlow’s town centre, according to Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council.