On 25 May 2010 Chelmsford Borough Council’s Planning Committee resolved to grant planning permission for a retail and residential focussed development of the Bond Street car park (application no 08/00347/OUT). This builds on the successful first phase of the development which includes The Hub residential scheme as well as the popular Prezzo and Loch Fyne restaurants, riverside walkway and public open space.
Subsequently we have been working to improve the development and to incorporate a John Lewis ‘at home’ store and 280 space shoppers car park. The development will have a pedestrian link directly into the High Street (between Gap and Superdrug) as well as an extension to the riverside walkway built with the scheme’s first phase. The development will provide a further 25 shops and restaurants.
We are holding a Public Exhibition of our proposals between 10am and 5pm on 4th & 5th February 2011 at 15 Bond Street, Chelmsford . We very much hope you will be able to join us to learn more about the development and give us your views. See public feedback for more information
Q1. Where is the development ?
A1. The site is situated between the High Street and the River Chelmer, adjoining the completed first phase (Loch Fyne & Prezzo) all of which is presently surface car parking.
Q2. Will there be parking ?
A2. The scheme will incorporate a 280 space shoppers car park beneath the shops with both stair and lift access, replacing the existing surface car park.
Q3. Which retailers will be in the development ?
A3. Apart from the John Lewis store we have only just commenced discussions with other retailers. However, initial retailer responses suggest that there will be an exciting range of leading upper/mid-market fashion and accessory retailers attracted to the scheme.
Q4. Will there be more choice of cafés and restaurants ?
A4. Yes, we are planning six units to be used as restaurants and cafes rather than bars or pubs, in order to create a safe and welcoming environment, making the most of the riverside and providing a high quality offer.
Q5. Will the scheme covered or enclosed ?
A5. No the scheme will be open in order to add further to Chelmsford’s street pattern and improve pedestrian connectivity with the riverside.
Q6. When will the development be completed ?
A6. Following the current public consultation, we will seek to make a planning application by the end of February which, assuming planning permission is granted in the summer of 2011 would allow construction to commence in the autumn with completion in Spring 2013.
Q7. What will happen to the open space in front of Prezzo & Loch Fyne ?
A7. This will be retained and enhanced by an extension of the riverside walkway and additional open space between the buildings and leading into the High Street.
Q8. Won’t there be some conflict between shoppers and vehicles ?
A8. No since cars will turn into the car park and deliveries will take place outside of busy shopping hours, as in the High Street, leaving the main parts of Bond Street free for shoppers.
Q9.How many people will be employed at the development ?
A9. Probably in the order of 500 full and part-time jobs will be created.
Q10. Will there be disruption during construction of the development ?
A10. Inevitably the existing surface car parking will have to close and construction traffic will pass to and from the site. However, measures will be taken to control the effects of this such as hours of working , employing appropriate construction methods and regular street cleaning.
Public access along the river will be maintained but it will not be possible to access the High Street between Gap and Superdrug for safety reasons during the works.
Q11. What about security ?
A11. We are working with Essex Police to ensure that, as far as possible, the development is designed to reduce the risk of crime. CCTV is likely to be employed around the whole scheme and linked into the town’s network. All walkways and open areas will be properly lit.
Q12. Won’t flooding be a problem ?
A12. The scheme is to be sited and constructed to ensure that flooding will not affect it. In accordance with Environment Agency recommendations.
Download feedback form
Public exhibition 4th & 5th Feb 2011, click here for more information