Introducing Chelmsford
As England's newest city in the heart of Essex, close to London, but with a thriving local economy and community, Chelmsford is primed and ready for action. There are major
opportunities in Chelmsford for development growth delivered through new and exciting partnerships which innovate at every opportunity.
This is already happening in Chelmsford. Our new city status will enable our profile and hopefully yours to be further enhanced,
reinforcing the city as an attractive place to live and do business in.
To achieve this, the City Council is launching a new vision and programme of actions to establish Chelmsford as one of the country's thriving cities.
The City Council is looking forward to attracting new investments and partners to take forward its ambitious vision.
Join us, and be part of our future. We want to be part of your future.
Investment priority areas
This document provides a series of investment
priority areas setting out places which are planned for transformation. This is supplemented by a series of fact sheets providing more detailed information grouped by the type of development proposed. North Chelmsford University and Innovation Quarter Riverside Retail Quarter
West End Quarter Meadows Country Park 1 2 3 4 5
North Chelmsford
Context
The area to the north of Chelmsford provides the opportunity for the city to grow. North east Chelmsford has been allocated for major new development through the City Council's adopted planning strategy (North Chelmsford Area Action Plan).
A minimum of 4,000 new homes and 689,000 sq ft floorspace of new commercial
development is planned, with significant supporting new infrastructure including a new rail station, new schools and a remodelled A12 junction. Proposals include significant leisure and recreation facilities alongside existing prestigious golf courses.
The successful Chelmer Valley Park and Ride site has already opened providing quick and convenient access into the city centre. North Chelmsford has been identified as the Chelmsford location for the exciting Anglia Ruskin MedTech Campus development.
Existing Character
North Chelmsford includes the existing communities of Springfield and Broomfield in addition to undeveloped land earmarked to become new sustainable neighbourhoods. In addition, North Chelmsford contains important environmental and heritage assets such as the attractive Chelmer Valley and New Hall which will shape the location and character of new development to provide sustainable and dynamic city neighbourhoods set in attractive surroundings.
Catalysts for Change
Change will be stimulated by the following developments:
Anglia Ruskin MedTech Campus Major new business park opportunity for medical technology businesses promoted in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University together with locations in Harlow and Southend providing 1,700,000 sq ft of floorspace and 12,500 new jobs. This will be set in a high quality landscape with access to new homes and leisure facilities
New NE Chelmsford Neighbourhood Three main development areas promoted by Countryside Zest, Chelmsford Land and Hanson will form the new neighbourhood and two major mixed use planning applications are currently being considered by the City Council for up to 4,350 new homes and 670,000 sq ft of other uses including a major new business park. An exemplary new place which will strengthen the city
Enhanced NW Chelmsford Neighbourhoods
Four smaller residential-led development areas strengthening existing neighbourhoods
has already been granted for 135 new homes on Land East of Patching Hall Lane with further applications currently being considered by the City Council New Infrastructure
Supporting transport links including a new mainline rail station, rapid bus services and major new radial distributor road and improvements to the Boreham A12 Interchange, as well as, a new secondary school, three new primary schools and neighbourhood centres
Expansion of Existing Businesses
Investment is happening now. On Chelmsford Business Park, Visteon Corporation and Battelle UK will be occupying new HQ buildings in 2013/14. Anderson Construction will start work on a major new mixed
development on Colchester Road in the coming months
New Hall School
Occupying an historic Grade 1 listed building in north east Chelmsford, New Hall School is expanding its independent education offer Major Restored Gravel Workings Opportunities for formal and informal recreation uses including eco-leisure.
North Chelmsford
Possible Further Opportunities
The following opportunities also exist:Chelmsford Business Park and Springfield Business Park
Development of the remaining 14 acres for business use
Land on Colchester Road
The potential consolidation of existing uses including the former cattle market, civic amenity site and transport depot for business, industrial and transport related uses including a pedestrian link to the new rail station
Broomfield Hospital
Healthcare related development as part of a residential-led scheme on an allocated site, expansion of research and teaching and links to the new MedTech Campus
Creation of pedestrian and cycle friendly
New pedestrian and cycle routes linking the new neighbourhoods with the city centre and local services and facilities
Creation of pedestrian and cycle friendly space between the new local centres and proposed schools to provide an attractive and safe environment
Improving access for pedestrians and cycles to the Chelmer Valley whilst enhancing biodiversity and leisure opportunities as part of the Living Landscapes initiative
A new green corridor extending through Springfield into new neighbourhoods
North Chelmsford
Public Realm Improvements
The area will be promoted as an investment target by:Other Advantages
Development in North Chelmsford allows the creation of innovative neighbourhood scale development with cutting edge design and a unique sense of place providing convenient links to the city centre and beyond,
University and Innovation Quarter
Existing Character
This Chelmsford City area comprises a dynamic and architecturally outstanding university campus alongside established industrial and commercial uses important to the city centre economy. It will form the foundations of a new enterprise quarter. The area is bordered by the River Chelmer with attractive green areas and riverside paths. There are excellent public transport links with a high level of visitors and residents, including direct links to the Chelmer Valley Park and Ride site.
There is an exciting opportunity to transform this area into a dynamic economic hub with
numerous prospects for new employment, research and educational development and investment through the re-use of underused and vacant land.
Catalysts for Change
Change will be stimulated by the following anticipated developments:
Former Marconi Works
Conversion and redevelopment of the historic factory for major new mixed use development including residential, business and retail Anglia Ruskin University
Continued expansion of the Rivermead Campus including the Chelmsford Innovation Centre to provide support and promote innovative local businesses Proposed new Waitrose
Redevelopment of the Royal Mail Victoria Road site for a new 24,000 sq ft store with supporting residential use and community centre
Proposed new 150 Bed Hotel
Redevelopment of existing car park for a major new hotel with conference facilities Atlantic Hotel
Possible Further Opportunities
The following opportunities also exist:Marriages Mill, business area Hoffmans Way and Railway Sidings
This combined site offers a major site for new commercial development. The Sidings comprise vacant land with opportunity for intensive business and industrial uses, while keeping the sidings. Marriages Mill may wish to relocate and the existing business area provides scope for higher intensity
development. Opportunities also exist for the separate development of these areas
BT Telephone Exchange
Large complex of buildings currently in use, but could be rationalised or floorspace released for development
Rivermead Industrial Park
Development of the existing low density and lower quality employment uses for university 'spin-out' activities and new businesses Land west of the University
Vacant land either for University expansion or release for development of business and research and development uses
Globe House and Ashby House car parks Potential to reduce land devoted to car parking and release land for beneficial commercial and residential development.
Public Realm Improvements
The area will be further promoted as aninvestment target by public realm improvements, including:
Transformation of New Street into a pedestrian and cycle friendly boulevard linking the High Street to the University and strengthening links to the city centre
A new pedestrian route linking the Railway Station to New Street and the University within the former Marconi Works redevelopment
Locating a landmark light installation under the New Street bridge
Enhanced river frontages and public spaces.
Other Advantages
Easy links to the new Anglia Ruskin MedTech Campus, north of the city centre via Park and Ride which runs through the University.
Riverside Retail Quarter
Existing Character
The Riverside retail quarter is at the interface between the city centre and countryside. It comprises large areas of brownfield land between the River Chelmer and the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. Characterised by vacated industrial land, surface car parking and existing business activity, this area provides opportunities for major regeneration in a river landscape setting. Existing waterside uses include fishing, rowing and bases for the Canoe Club and Sea Cadets. The area has well-used pedestrian and cycle routes along the river edges to the city centre from south and east. Chelmsford City has a strong shopping centre which will expand eastwards and embrace the Riverside - one of Chelmsford City's best public assets.
Catalysts for Change
Change will be stimulated by the following anticipated developments:
Chelmer Waterside
Substantial well-located brownfield land available for retail, leisure, commercial and residential development in a special river landscape setting
East of High Street
Extension of the primary shopping area leading off the High Street and river frontage. Creation of a new, attractive shopping and leisure development including a proposed John Lewis
High Chelmer Shopping Centre Expansion and investment in the mall environment within the existing primary shopping area
Meadows Shopping Centre
Refurbishment and enhancement of this important site for shopping.
Possible Further Opportunities
The following opportunities also exist:Tesco and adjoining land
Existing food store in the primary shopping area with scope for expansion and alteration and inclusion of commercial and leisure uses Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre
Opportunity to complement sports facility with arts performance space in the heart of Chelmsford City. Potential to incorporate restaurants, cafes and retailing fronting onto the river
Riverside Retail Park
Potential for frontage development and significant upgrading reinforcing Victoria Road and its linkages between shopping areas, to revitalise the existing retail park and enhance the Chelmer riverside
Travis Perkins Timber Yard
Currently in use, but could be developed as part of a new waterside quarter
Lockside
Potential to develop vacant brownfield land and surface car parking as part of a new
Springfield Road and Navigation Road Existing commercial premises and car parking with potential for intensive city scale development to stimulate Springfield Road.
Public Realm Improvements
The area will be reinvigorated by:Enhanced cycle and pedestrian routes into retail areas from riverside paths and the continuation of west bank cycle way northwards to the University
New public open spaces opening into the regenerated peninsula
Built and planted frontage to water and meadows
Improvements to the High Street and Tindal Square including improvements to surfaces, street furniture, wayfinding and removal of street clutter
Improvements to the river banks.
Riverside Retail Quarter
West End Quarter
Existing Character
This Chelmsford City fringe area is centred on the rail station and bus interchanges and large public buildings. It contains a diverse range of uses and buildings including two theatres, the Essex County Cricket Ground, Cathedral, churches, cafes, pubs and restaurants and has a diverse evening economy. The area attracts a high level of visitors, office workers, theatre-goers and evening visitors.
There is an opportunity to further strengthen the area’s role as the leisure, culture and arts quarter for the city. Numerous prospects exist for new development and investment through the re-use of underused and vacant land. Broadcasting, media and creative industries will also be encouraged to locate here.
Catalysts for Change
Change will be stimulated by the following anticipated developments:
Former Anglia Ruskin University Central Campus
Substantial redundant university site, to provide for a major comprehensive mixed-use development around new pedestrian routes and public spaces
Essex County Cricket Ground
Expansion and upgrading of this major sports venue alongside new enabling sporting, residential and commercial development
Chelmsford Rail Station
With over seven million passenger journeys per year the station is one of the busiest in the south-east. A multi-million pound investment in the station and surrounding public realm is programmed for
Public Realm Improvements
The area will be reinvigorated by means of new or renewed public spaces:
West End Quarter
Possible Further Opportunities
The following are latent opportunities:
Coval Lane and Fairfield Road car parks Opportunity for leisure and arts facilities as part of a mixed use development of regional significance close to public transport, car parks and offices, completing the Marconi Plaza
County Hotel and adjoining land
Opportunity to expand the existing hotel and redevelop the surrounding underused land for city centre and residential uses
Railway Street car parks
Potential for redevelopment for residential, business, retail, commercial and food and drink uses
Chelmsford City Council offices
Modern quality conference facilities available in near future.
Gateway improvements into the West End Rationalisation and improvement of Station Square to provide a fitting arrival space for a new city and regional interchange
Enhancement of Broomfield Road - a leisure destination full of life generated by the
restaurants, pubs and specialist shops
Marconi Plaza - currently a focus for theatre and entertainment, in the longer-term to be fully enclosed by development with a connecting route through the railway viaduct Development of Central Park - a city park with an AdiZone
Improved pedestrian and cycle environment and new routes Avenue tree planting on Parkway.
Meadows Country Park and Sandford Mill
Existing Character
The Chelmer River Valley to the east of the city centre forms a broad attractive valley containing flood meadow used for grazing, fishing lakes and generally passive recreation uses with limited public accessibility. The Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation provides an important leisure and recreation link through the valley with Sandford Mill a destination as an education and heritage centre.
There is an opportunity to create a country park providing enhanced river walks, jogging and cycling trails, further attractions at Sandford Mill, boating facilities and a rich watermeadow landscape and wildlife habitat within walking distance of the city centre.
Catalysts for Change
Change will be stimulated by the following:
Chelmer Waterside
Development either side of the canal basin
Sandford Mill
Proposals for a mixed development to sustain the future use and continuation of the
Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation to create a leisure and recreation hub. Opportunities for commercial premises and moorings
Proposed Recreation Area
The area to the south of Chelmer Village Way provides the opportunity for a new country park with a new network of paths, informal spaces and open air recreation facilities that conserve the landscape character and special qualities of the area
Waterway
Public Realm Improvements
The area will be reinvigorated by:New cycle and pedestrian routes across the river and from Sandford Mill to the city
Natural spaces rich in wildlife
New moorings in Sandford Mill and along the Navigation
Public space around Sandford Mill.
City fact sheet - commercial development
City Centre
Primark - redevelopment and expansion of key unit in High Chelmer Shopping Centre to provide a new 60,000 sq ft store
John Lewis - as part of retail expansion at Land East of High Street to provide a new 66,000 sq ft store
Waitrose - redevelopment of Royal Mail Victoria Road site for a new 24,000 sq ft store
Major retail development - as part of the development of Chelmer Waterside
Enhancements/provision of larger retail units in the city centre
Expansion of existing Tesco Store - Springfield Road
Retail opportunities up to 40,000 sq ft at former ARU
Retail
Possible Further Retail Opportunities
Estimated Implementation
Opening Autumn 2012 Planning approved Opening 2014 / 2015 Planning 2012 Opening 2015 Site being marketed.Appoint development partner 2012
When development opportunities arise Site allocated for development
Phase 1 planning approved for
Summary of all major city centre development opportunities including current planning situation and estimated implementation date.
Office/Research and Development
Possible Further Opportunities
Chelmsford Innovation Centre - to provide support and promote innovative local businesses in new development of 27,000 sq ft located within Anglia Ruskin University Campus
Conversion and Redevelopment of Historic Marconi Radio Factory - the conversion of historic buildings formerly used by Essex and Suffolk Water for new business use as part of a mixed use scheme
Former Marconi Works, New Street - opportunities for prestigious business uses as part of a major mixed use development adjacent to Chelmsford City Centre Rail Station
Britvic Office, Broomfield Road - potential for the re-use/modernisation of major office development
Former ARU Central Campus Site - opportunities for business development in prime city centre site as part of mixed use development
Planning Late 2012 Completion 2013 Planning Late 2012 Completion 2013/14 Planning 2012 Completion 2015 Ongoing Phase 1 planning approved for residential
City fact sheet - commercial development
Visteon - expansion of existing technology business at Chelmsford Business Park
Anderson Group - redevelopment of former White Hart for mixed use development
New NE Chelmsford Business Park - over 400,000 sq ft of new floorspace for cutting edge businesses served by new rail station on mainline
Chelmsford Business Park/Springfield Business Park
- development of remaining 14 acres for business use. The consolidation and redevelopment of existing employment and commercial areas in North Chelmsford
Other Key Opportunities
Temple Farm - 746,000 sq ft of employment development
BAe Systems Site, Great Baddow - opportunities for consolidation of business uses on a site of 10 - 12 acres
Office/Research and Development
Planning 2012 Completion 2013 Planning 2012 Completion 2013 Planning 2012
Completion on a phased basis up to 2018
Ongoing
Planning permission granted Allocated in the Site Allocations Development Plan Document
City fact sheet - commercial development
City fact sheet - infrastructure
City Centre
High Street and Tindal Square Transformation -
improvements to surfaces, street furniture, wayfinding and removal of street clutter
City Rail Station Gateway - improvements to surfaces, street furniture and wayfinding to create an exciting arrival experience
City Entrances - improvements to road entry routes at Parkway and Waterhouse Lane
Improvements to Internal Access, Platforms, Customer Hall and Stairwells
New bicycle and motorcycle parking creating the second
CyclePoint scheme in England as part of £3m investment
Stage A (i) - Chelmer Village flood defence wall and earth mounds
Stage A (ii) - Margaretting earth embankment and secondary defences
Public Realm
Improvements to City Rail Station
Flood Alleviation Scheme
Estimated Implementation
Design ongoing Completion 2014 Design ongoing Completion 2014 Ongoing Design ongoingInvestment from Network Rail As above
Planning permission granted Completion Autumn 2012 Planning Late 2012 Completion 2013
Replacement of Chelmer Road Viaduct
Broadband Improvements
Park and Ride
Boreham Interchange
Replacement bridge and slip road improvements - Army and Navy junction
Broadband service improvements
North Chelmsford
Chelmer Valley Park and Ride site and bus priority measures
Potential to expand existing provision
Improvements to slip roads, junction
re-configuration and new Generals Lane Bridge with Countryside Zest application
Planning permission granted Completion 2013/2014
Potential funding via South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) and Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) ‘Superfast Connected Scheme’
Chelmsford’s second Park and Ride operational
SELEP Growing Places Fund scheme delivered in parallel with new
development. Delivery will be triggered
City fact sheet - infrastructure
New Radial Distributor Road
Three new Primary Schools
New Secondary School
Health Provision
New NE Chelmsford Rail Station
Phased delivery of new relief road for NE Chelmsford as part of the new NE Chelmsford Neighbourhood
Phased delivery of three new primary schools as part of the new NE Chelmsford Neighbourhood
Phased delivery of a new secondary school in NE Chelmsford as part of the new NE Chelmsford Neighbourhood
Four GP practice in NE Chelmsford
Two GP practice in NW Chelmsford
Delivery of a new rail station to serve new
residential and commercial developments in the NE Chelmsford neighbourhood
Phased delivery in parallel with new development trigger for completion 1,350 new homes
Phased delivery in parallel with new development
Phased delivery in parallel with new development
Phased delivery in parallel with new development
Post 2018
City fact sheet - infrastructure
City fact sheet - residential opportunities
City Centre
Stump Lane, Springfield - 22 new homes Parkway, former car garage - 76 new homes
Former Central Anglia Ruskin University Campus - 507 new homes
Former Travis Perkins site - 48 new homes Essex County Cricket Club - 222 new homes
Former St John’s Hospital - 275 new homes
Waitrose (mixed use development) - 40 new homes Former Marconi Works, New Street - 800 new homes
Former Essex and Suffolk Water Offices, Hall Street -12 new homes
Lockside Industrial Area - 100 new homes Key Development Sites
Estimated Implementation
Completed Summer 2012 Completed Summer 2012
Start on site First Phase Summer 2012
Planning 2012 / Completion 2013 Planning permission granted Completion 2016
Planning permission granted for first phase / Completion 2017
Planning 2012 / Completion 2014 Planning permission granted - Awaiting revised proposals
Planning 2012 Completion 2013
North Chelmsford
3,600 new homes - within area promoted by Countryside Zest
Up to 750 new homes Chelmsford Land (Channels)
Patching Hall Lane site - 135 new homes
Broomfield Place site - up to 200 new homes
Copperfield Road site - up to 270 new homes
Hospital Approach site - up to 200 new homes
Former Runwell Hospital - in the region of 600 new homes
Morelands Industrial Estate - in the region of 25 new homes and specialist residential development
North East Chelmsford Neighbourhood
North West Chelmsford Sites
Other Key Opportunities
Estimated Implementation
Planning 2012
Phased delivery over next 15 years Planning permission granted
Phased delivery over next five years
Planning permission granted Completion 2014 Planning 2012 Completion 2016 Planning 2012 Completion 2017 Planning 2013 Completion 2017 Planning 2012
Phased delivery over 10 year period Planning 2012/13
Completion 2014
