EXCITING new plans for the former Dukes nightclub site in Chelmsford have been unveiled, almost three years after the popular nightspot closed.
Owner of the site, Fitzpatrick New Homes, wants to regenerate the area with 93 luxury apartments, shops, businesses and even a farmer's market.
A new square will connect Duke Street with Victoria Road, creating a "community hub" which will provide the area with accommodation and jobs.
Fitzpatrick New Homes has been at the forefront of luxury development for 20 years, mainly in London, but it wants to lay down roots in Chelmsford, having based its Essex office in Duke Street.
The business venture is the company's first in the county and the owners are keen to remember the site's night-clubbing history with a memory wall put up during construction, where people can share photos and reminisce about Dukes' heyday.
Plans are now being discussed to replace the landmark with 93 homes consisting of 29 one-bed and 64 two-bed apartments, with a large public piazza at its core, as well as a medical centre and a coffee shop.
Managing director Brian Fitzpatrick, who aims to create a new bustling neighbourhood in Duke Street, said: "As with everything we build, our aim is to improve the street scene and give something back to the areas we develop.
"We have the opportunity in Duke Street to create something really special. We have decided to build an interactive scheme whereby the site is not closed off and isolated from Duke Street, but instead opened up to the public for wider use."
It has not yet been confirmed which company will occupy the coffee shop, although the owners are hopeful of attracting premium brands.
"In the long-term, we want to see this as a destination and a welcome mat for Chelmsford. Therefore, it's really important we get the right quality commercial tenants," Mr Fitzpatrick said.
"This will be an exciting development for Chelmsford and will invigorate the area, as well as generate employment."
