Press Release

A New Vision for Melbourne Court

10/04/2006
Ref: pr 0086

Chelmer Housing Partnership will be submitting a planning application in the next few weeks for what could be an £8m investment in Melbourne Court, Chelmsford's only high-rise and the immediate surrounding area to create a new Neighbourhood Centre.

The majority of tower residents attended a recent consultation session by the CHP Quality of Life Team who remained on site for several hours discussing details and answering questions. Initial proposals can now be released.

Opportunities for other local residents to comment on the proposals are planned over coming weeks.

CHP has been working with the Local Strategic Partnership, Chelmsford Borough Council Planners and the Strategic Housing Team. With so many different local stakeholders interested in being part of the project there are many views to be heard and opportunities to be accommodated.

In line with current thinking in terms of new development and regeneration, the completed scheme will offer mixed tenure accommodation ranging from affordable rented and shared ownership to open market sale.

The community area planned for the ground floor of the new building will provide improved access to modern spacious facilities enabling specialist organisations to provide services for local people.

If the planning application is successful, work could start before the end of the year with the whole project planned for completion early in 2009, although it is hoped that the community facilities will be operative a year earlier.

There is still much to be done and on a project this complex, there are many hurdles to overcome. If you wish to be kept informed through newsletter please write to David Cotterill, New Business Director, Chelmer Housing Partnership, Prospect House, West Hanningfield Road, Great Baddow, Essex, CM2 8HN.

ENDS

Further details:

Telephone: Victoria Norton 01245 613000