WORK to build 400 new homes on the site of Chelmsford's iconic Marconi factory could begin next summer.
Bellway Homes have set a tight schedule for the redevelopment of the derelict factory in New Street, it revealed at its first public exhibition recently.
The story-board display at Anglia Ruskin University has attracted regular visitors, who were asked what they thought about Bellway's embryonic plans for the site, which has stood empty since 2008.
Richard Burrows, managing director of Bellway Homes Essex, said: "The response from the public has been hugely encouraging. We are now analysing all the feedback we received and using it to make further improvements to our evolving plans. We will be holding a second public event in the coming weeks."
Bellway has pledged not to include any high-rise buildings in its refurbishment of the famous 1912 factory, which housed Marconi's personal office.
It also seeks opinions on what it should do with the engine house and water tower, which it says are the only other buildings likely to be preserved.
The firm will be bringing forward its final proposals within a month for another public exhibition. It will then apply for planning permission and Chelmsford City Council will carry out its own consultation. The developer aims to bring the bulldozers in by early summer.
Most people who visited the exhibition seemed to prefer this plan over the previous one by the now-defunct Ashwell Land, which included several tower blocks, including one 18 storeys high.
City leader Cllr Roy Whitehead added: "I am very pleased to see the reduction in height and the absence of metal and glass. My preference would be to allow demolition and reconstruction of the whole site except the Marconi building. I am looking forward to seeing the final proposals."
Malcolm Noble, head of Changing Chelmsford, the volunteer group helping citizens have their say in the future of the city, added: "We are pleased with the way Bellway has handled this project. Their managing director has spared time to meet us and hear some of our ideas."
Further comments on the development can be made at www.marconiredevelopment.co.uk
See Your Views on page 16
