SEVEN years after planning began on the multi-million pound transformation of the Essex cricket ground, work has finally begun on the much-anticipated project.
Construction workers in hard hats and high-visibility vests can now be spotted from Central Park, Chelmsford, as the initial work starts at the site.
And by the end of 2014, it is hoped that the views currently spanning overgrown shrubbery will be transformed into a modern apartment block of luxury flats – the first of four such towers that will provide approximately 350 new homes in the area of New Writtle Street.
"It's been a long process since the applications first went into the council in 2006 and for a long time people probably wondered if it was actually going to happen, even a few weeks ago there was nothing here to show that construction was due to start," said Richard Swift, sales and marketing manager at MCD, the Birmingham-based developers responsible for the construction.
"But now we want to show people that this is going ahead and the plans are being implemented, although it's a long process from start to finish."
Indeed before the arrival of hundreds of heavy duty vehicles at the site carrying cement, machinery, and safety equipment, project manager Simon Mower, and contracts manager Roy Francis must oversee painstaking checks for wildlife or items of historical significance.
Ecologist Gemma Holmes was one such expert to join the project for several days to ensure that stripping away vegetation did not disturb protected species hiding in the area.
"We found a bird's nest which looks at first inspection to belong to a blue tit or similar species so we've fenced the area off, and it could take two to three weeks for the fledglings to hatch so it has to be left until then," said Gemma, from a Colchester-based landscaping firm.
"If we were to find roosting bats or a crested newt for example that would have a more long-term impact."
The group appears more likely to stumble across discarded drinks cans and crisp packets in the neglected undergrowth which will soon be fully cleared to make way for work on 'Tower A', the first phase of the overall development which is valued at approximately £85 million.
And upon entering into Phase Two of construction the three remaining towers, standing several storeys high, will take form, alongside the long-awaited refurbishment of the cricket ground with high-end banqueting facilities, a new pavilion, and extra capacity, from 4,500 to 7,500 seats.
Keith Brown, chairman of the ground development panel of Essex County Cricket Club, said: "Following years in the planning and after overcoming numerous hurdles, to start this development is a huge step forward and very exciting. It will lead to the creation of state of the art facilities for Essex Cricket Club, its team, academy, members and sponsors, with banqueting and meeting facilities for the local community and businesses.
"It will also be able to stage exhibitions and conferences."