Stannifer’s plans for Harlow’s Harvey Centre have received a boost following major lettings to Tesco and JJB Sports.

Tesco has taken a 20-year lease on a 23,000 sq ft (2,135 sq m) unit.

The supermarket will open the unit as a Tesco Metro later this summer.

JJB has taken a 25-year lease with a 15-year break on a 15,000 sq ft (1,395 sq m) unit, due to open next spring. Rents have not been disclosed.

Stannifer chief executive Ron Barrott said: ‘These deals are excellent news for the Harvey Centre and the town, both of which will benefit from having retailers trading in their preferred store formats.’

Plans to redevelop the 550,000 sq ft (51,095 sq m) Harvey Centre go before Harlow District Council’s planning committee later this month. Stannifer is proposing to refurbish and extend the centre by 250,000 sq ft (23,225 sq m), including a 110,000 sq ft (10,220 sq m) Debenhams.

King Sturge is the letting agent for the Harvey Centre.