Lease opportunity Harlowbury
New lease opportunity in Harlowbury - applications open 9 February 2026.
An exciting opportunity has become available for a new 25-year lease at Gilden Park, Old Oak Way, Harlow, Essex, CM17 0GD.
ECC Early Years and Childcare is looking for a new or existing provider to deliver a 56 place early years and childcare facility. The provider will enter into an annual funding contract with ECC to deliver a flexible range of FEEE and FRAS places, meeting high quality standards.
Download the project scope (Word, 58KB).
The premises
For details, refer to the Heads of Terms (PDF, 360KB).
The Lease
The lease will be between ECC and the provider and will cost:
- year 1 - £9,700
- year 2 - £13,500
- year 3 - £19,400
- year 4 - £23,200
- year 5 - £27,000 until the rent review date of the fifth anniversary
Site viewings
As the nursery is still under construction, there is no opportunity to view the premises in person.
To provide potential applicants with the opportunity to talk through the plans and ask questions, two virtual drop-in sessions will be run on:
- Tuesday 24 February 10am to 12pm
- Wednesday 4 March 1pm to 3pm
To book one of the drop-in sessions, contact ey.capitalgrants@essex.gov.uk.
Important dates
| Launch | 9 February 2026 |
| Virtual drop-in sessions |
24 February 2026 10am to 12pm 4 March 2026 1pm to 3pm |
| Last date for BMC or CCDL support | 13 March 2026 |
| Closing date for applications | 5pm 10 April 2026 |
| Quality visit | 8 May to 22 May 2026 |
| Moderation Panel | 2 June 2026 |
| EY Resource Panel | 18 June 2026 |
Available support
Support is available through our Business Management Consultants (BMCs) who will be happy to offer information, advice and guidance as you develop your proposal.
Any requests for support must be made before the date specified above to allow time for information to be gathered.
Email: BMC@essex.gov.uk
The Children's Community Development Lead for your area will be happy to offer information around local childcare sufficiency and answer any general questions you may have.
Email: CCDL@essex.gov.uk
Resources
View and download all resources relating to this opportunity:
Harlowbury Nursery design plan (PDF, 507KB)
Business plan template (Word, 128KB)
EYCC Harlowbury lease application form (Word, 97KB)
EYCC Capital funding scoring criteria (PDF, 153KB)
Heads of terms Harlowbury Nursery (PDF, 360KB)
Project scope Harlowbury (Word, 162KB)
Quality assurance visit template (PDF, 199KB)