A HUGE revamp of Chelmsford railway station moved a step closer this week after private investors agreed to a £1.3 million deal.
The ambitious plans, which will part-pedestrianise the area between the station in Duke Street and the historic former Quaker meeting house opposite, are considered as a stepping stone to further developments by improving the city's image to keep up with rivals like Cambridge and Norwich.
The deal was approved by Chelmsford City Council cabinet as part of a joint venture with Essex County Council, Greater Anglia, Network Rail and the Genesis Housing Group.
An improvement plan of this scale has been in the pipeline since 2011 but now the search for private-sector funding has been completed the project can begin.
Neil Gulliver, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: "It will really give the whole area a lift. I think it will help business and people will flow better through and around the station.
"It's going to make a huge difference aesthetically and practically.
"Hopefully it will look very much more modern. The west has become quite run down, so hopefully this will encourage further private sector investment in the area – everybody wins.
"About 15,000 commuters come in and out of Chelmsford station so it will make a better impression than is currently made.
"No money will be taken out of the council budget as the Enterprise Growth Fund will be used, so money will be put back from development of the area into council funds."
Private-sector funds will be used to integrate the Genesis housing development of 507 homes, offices and a supermarket on the old university site, which includes the restoration of three historic buildings – Anne Knight, Frederick Chancellor, and the Law Building – with the new Amlin insurance headquarters approved for Caxton House in Victoria Road, and improved access to the bus station.
There will be new bicycle facilities, a pedestrian square at the front, granite paving and bus shelters. The BT pay phones will be replaced and the area of Duke Street immediately outside the station will be resurfaced.
Also included will be a parade of shops with a newsagents and coffee shop.
Foot traffic at peak hours will be relieved by the creation of a wider, more accessible entrance and exit by the bus station.
Councillors have long recognised the need for the station to be redeveloped.
However, progress has been thwarted by frequent changes of train operator and the recession.
David Bigg, chairman of the Braintree and Witham Rail Users Association, said: "Of course we welcome any improvements that make the station safer.
"But for some time we've been more concerned with what's actually going on inside the station and the level of staff.
"These improvements need to come with better security, especially at night; this is something we would actively lobby for."
The project is part of a wider scheme set up by MPs, rail companies, business leaders, regional enterprise and commuter groups called "Once in a Generation", with the aim of improving rail capacity across the whole of the East and Greater Anglia.
Initial work is due to begin on cycle facilities later this year.
The work will also tie in with Bellway's plans to redevelop the former Marconi factory in New Street into 437 new homes.
