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, a virtual drop-in session will be run on:

Wednesday 4 March 1pm to 2.30pm

All are welcome to join this session on Teams. Download joining instructions.

Important dates

Launch	9 February 2026
Virtual drop-in session	24 March 2026 1pm to 2.30pm
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