Melbourne Court Project Shaping Up

02/08/2006
Ref: pr 0091

Chelmer Housing Partnership, the largest Registered Social Landlord in Essex, is progressing plans for a new Neighbourhood Centre at Melbourne Court by submitting a planning application to Chelmsford Borough Council.

“We are grateful to our partners and local residents for their input,” said David Cotterill, CHP Director of New Business.  “Helpful feedback and creative ideas have helped to shape a vision into a tangible, workable scheme.  Now it’s up to the planning process and we anticipate a positive outcome.”

Big name building contractors from all over the EU have expressed interest to bid for the construction contract which will involve complete refurbishment of the tower block and the creation of new housing and the Neighbourhood Centre which will provide accommodation from which organizations can serve the local community and improve local quality of life.

“We are now compiling a short list of contractors who will shortly be invited to submit tenders.  We are grateful that all those shortlisted have vast experience in Regeneration Projects involving existing communities.”  A representative of the tower residents has agreed to join the Project Team and be part of the contractor selection process.

Now that the planning application is submitted and the design more certain, CHP will continue dialogue with local people who have expressed an interest so far with a view to ensuring that the community remains central to the future shape of the initiative.  It is anticipated that the planning process will take about 3/4 months.

ENDS.

Editors Notes:

• For further information on this press release please contact Victoria Norton, PR & Marketing Manager on: 01245 613111 or victoria.norton@chelmerhp.org.uk