Leading UK property developer SevenCapital has this week been given the green light for the development of a new built- to-rent scheme in the heart of Chelmsford.

Located on a former car park site to the west of Eastwood House, between Glebe Road and Marconi Road, the development will include 197 spacious one- and two- bedroom apartments, featuring a mix of both traditional and contemporary design, in fitting with the surrounding area.

The apartments, which will also feature oriel windows to flood each room with light, will be shared across two blocks of between three and six storeys, shaped around an attractive landscaped courtyard. A third block, sitting adjacent to the residential buildings, will introduce new residents’ amenities, including a cafe and gym.

112 residents’ car parking spaces will be located at ground level, concealed under a first-floor podium level underneath the internal courtyard. 260 residents’ cycle spaces will also be available.

A further 243 parking spaces will be available on the external surface and lower ground levels of the existing Eastwood House building for office use, replacing the former external ground level car park.

Public open space will remain accessible for all via well designed step or ramp entry.

Residents of the new development will benefit from its location just a three-minute walk from Chelmsford Railway Station, with the main shopping area accessible by foot in under 10 minutes.

Angus Michie, managing director at SevenCapital, said:

“This new, purpose-built, build-to-rent development is in a fantastic location at the heart of the city and is designed to meet the growing trend for city centre, apartment rentals we’re seeing in Chelmsford and across the UK.

All apartments will exceed the minimum space standards, answering the post-pandemic demand for increased space from our homes. The addition of an on-site, state-of-the-art gym facility and café along with the development’s proximity to key transport links and the city centre will also offer residents a plethora of amenities right on their doorstep.

We look forward to bringing this development to life and welcoming our future residents.”

Work on site is expected to begin on site by Q3 next year, with projected completion targeted for the end of 2023.