A huge new bridge and 1,100 new homes are part of a plan to try and solve an Essex city’s housing crisis. Construction is ongoing to build a brand new 50m bridge to provide access to a huge area of land.
Chelmsford residents might have seen glimpses of the new bridge being installed over the River Chelmer in recent weeks and months. The bridge will link Wharf Road and Parkway and is a key part of the Waterside development.
The bridge is hoped to be completed in Spring and will provide access to the city’s largest brownfield site. This area, just east of the city centre, used to be home to the city’s gasworks, which were originally established in the early 19th century, but later decommissioned due to changes in the gas industry.
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Work has been carried out on the site over the past few years and now it’s in a position that it can be brought back into use. The bridge is one of a number of infrastructure projects underway to enable the site to unlock its potential as a new Chelmsford quarter with plans for around 1,200 new homes, green spaces and amenities.
Chelmsford City Council says the development aims to breathe new life into the former industrial site and transform it into a desirable urban neighbourhood which makes better use of Chelmsford’s waterways. They also view the area as likely to play a part in addressing the city’s housing crisis with aspirations for 35 per cent of the properties being affordable homes.
Measures will be put in place to make sure the bridge does not become an attractive cut through for motorists. There will be a 20mph speed limit, a width restriction for traffic crossing the bridge and other traffic calming measures in place. Similar measures will also be implemented along Wharf Road.
Waterside bridge in Chelmsford
(Image: GRAHAM/Chelmsford City Council)
The transformation of Chelmer Waterside has been a long time coming. Located just a short walk from the city centre, the area has been earmarked for regeneration for decades.
Cllr Lynne Foster (Lib. Dem.) said: “It’s fantastic to see the new bridge starting to take shape, which will help take this site to a whole new level. 400 homes have already been completed here, but the infrastructure being delivered will begin a new phase for this underutilised part of the city, helping us to make the most of a unique area overlooking three waterways. It will enable the city council to create a vibrant, new neighbourhood with a range of local facilities.
“Chelmsford needs many new homes, and we must develop brownfield sites in sustainable locations wherever we can. These aren’t always the easiest sites to bring forward, but they are worth the effort, and key projects like the new bridge are essential to realising this potential.”
The area was previously described by Cllr Foster as “not fulfilling its current potential”. The whole of the site was allocated for housing development in Chelmsford City Council’s Local Plan.
Chelmsford council has committed to £43.6m of capital expenditure on this scheme funded in the current financial planning from grants and Community Infrastructure Levy.
Cllr Stephen Robinson (Lib Dem.), leader of Chelmsford City Council, previously said: “This new bridge is a vital first step to creating a new neighbourhood. It is crucial to invest in infrastructure ahead of development so that existing communities benefit from new development.
“It’s important that we build on brownfield sites when we can, and conversations about regenerating the Chelmer Waterside area have been happening for around 30 years. I’m pleased that we are now getting on with it.
“Chelmer Waterside is located alongside the city’s waterways, just minutes from the city centre and they have been one of Chelmsford’s “hidden assets”. It makes sense to turn this area into a desirable community where people can live and work, and in particular, building affordable homes. This road and bridge will create better public access to Chelmer Waterside so we can bring the site forward for development.”