Major Chelmsford scheme receives planning

 Genesis Housing Association, one of the largest social landlords in the south east has been awarded planning approval for its regeneration of the former Anglia Ruskin University site in Chelmsford. This new project will see the heart of Chelmsford redeveloped, providing over 500 homes for the local community.

Following extensive consultation with Chelmsford residents, Genesis’ work will deliver a mixture of high quality private residential plus affordable homes and extra care accommodation, where residents will benefit from Genesis’ experience in providing care and support. The local economy is also set to receive a boost thanks to the creation of a new commercial quarter which will include office, retail and community uses. New pedestrian and cycle routes will also be created, providing much improved access from Chelmsford station through to the nearby Central Park.

As part of its regeneration work, Genesis has pledged to retain the Frederick Chancellor, Anne Knight and Law buildings which will be refurbished due to their historical interest. Once completed, the Anne Knight building will form the gateway to the development and a centrepiece of newly created Station Square.

Tracy Williams, Deputy Director of Development at Genesis, said: “we are very excited that planning has been granted by Chelmsford Borough Council for this excellent scheme . It will now enable Genesis in partnership with Chelmsford BC to transform Station Square, the gateway to Chemsford town centre itself into a vibrant and thriving residential and commercial hub, a place where people will want to live work and play . Throughout our consultation on the scheme we have been mindful of the wishes of local residents and have incorporated their views into our plans wherever possible. Genesis is committed to creating great places to live and to regenerating communities. Carl Vann, Director at Pollard Thomas Edwards architects (PTEa): who designed the new scheme, commented: “PTEa have worked closely with Genesis and Chelmsford planning officers to ensure our proposal maintains the intimacy and charm of the best parts of the market town. This has been achieved by integrating and elevating the existing heritage buildings, creating a ‘necklace’ of new public spaces and buildings with different character and scale, and by improving connections to ensure the new development is both a destination and a natural extension to the surrounding town centre.”

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For more information contact Ben Ashmore, 0207 563 0298 or ben.ashmore@GenesisHA.org.uk

Genesis owns or manages homes across London and the south east for thousands of people. As one of the most diverse housing groups in the UK, Genesis’ main aim is to provide great services, great homes, great places and great opportunities for its customers.

Pollard Thomas Edwards architects is a practice committed to making towns and cities better places to live in. PTEa has more than 35 years private and public sector experience in architecture, urban design, master planning and property development. Its commitment to quality and innovation has been rewarded with more than 100 design awards.