Currently comprising the shopping centre and associated car park, the site is envisioned to be revitalised into a thriving mixed-use, city centre quarter featuring 762 new homes and over 8,500 sqm of retail, commercial and leisure space with potential to create nearly 400 full-time jobs.

In its existing context, the shopping centre is not fit for purpose, with large, deep units predominantly disjointed over two floors, with narrow frontages offering little opportunity for sub-division and poor public realm. The shopping centre presently is a barrier to permeability and activity outside of shopping hours, creating an internally focussed environment that offers very little to the relationship and connectivity to the adjacent rivers. As such, the diversity of proposed new mixed-uses of smaller and flexible units overlooking the rivers and new public realm, crafts a more intimate retail experience and complements the existing retail offer of the High Street, providing an enlivened riverside destination that will boost the city’s daytime and nighttime economy.

Examining the distinctive character of Chelmsford’s streets and spaces, the design team prioritised understanding what makes Chelmsford special to ensure the site’s local identity is celebrated and reflected in the design proposals. The historical rivers – Chelmer and Can – also contribute a unique setting for the new quarter providing an important natural asset and heritage story to draw inspiration from.

Alongside 1.7 hectares of high-quality public space, proposals open up the riverside with enhanced green spaces including a wetland meadow-inspired landscape along the peninsula which would permeate through to the residential spaces and evoke a sense of ‘green living’ along the water frontage. A new mobility hub offering community facilities such as bike hire and improved pedestrian and cycles routes will create a more connected, walkable community, enriching the overall urban experience of residents and visitors.

The design team has worked together with the community to evolve the proposals involving an extensive engagement over the past eight months including four days of events, in-person meetings, letters and digital media. The consultation programme has currently reached 1,700 local people, with 5,400 newsletters delivered and 6,900 visits to the dedicated project

“It has been fantastic to partner with Dominus, Chelmsford City Council, The Yard Creative and the wider design team on this hugely important regeneration project in the heart of Chelmsford, which all commenced with a collaborative Charrette. The team has worked hard to truly understand and celebrate the unique DNA, character and history of Chelmsford and its people, including hosting a market stall in the town – alongside other consultation processes – to engage with the local people and fully explore life in Chelmsford. Together, we are excited to have created a vibrant new riverside quarter for the city with a network of streets and spaces that reflect the historic high street and grain of the area, as well as the stunning riverside location.”

– Dominic Chapman, Partner at JTP

“Our vision would transform The Meadows into a thriving riverside destination fit for a growing and ambitious city like Chelmsford. We have worked with the community to understand local priorities, crafting a future for the site as rich as its heritage, one that nurtures local initiatives, brings housing back into the city, supports its economic potential and delivers long-term positive impact for both Chelmsford and its people.”

– Tristram Taylor, Development Manager at Dominus