Plans for a £1.2million redevelopment of a recreation ground in Harrow Town Centre will be a “shot in the arm” for the local economy.

The Lowlands open space will be transformed in to an urban park with outdoor performance space after regeneration proposals were approved by Harrow Borough Council’s planning committee.

The project at the site, next to Harrow-on-the-Hill station and Harrow College, is one of three proposed by the local authority in a bid to draw people back to the town centre.

Other proposals include a new public space in Lyon Road and St John’s Road and a £2million revamp of St Ann’s Road, building work on which has already begun.

Harrow Council’s portfolio holder for planning and regeneration, Councillor Will Stoodley said: “We want to put Harrow on the map as a prestige destination to live and work.

“The Lowlands public space will create a vibrant hub of performing arts, while the proposed development in Lyon Road will breathe new life into the area.

“These revitalised sites will be a shot in the arm for the local economy. They will create new economic opportunities, along with attracting further investment in the town centre.”