Proposed plans would transform The Meadows Shopping Centre into a mixed-use riverside destination creating new places to live, work and play in the heart of the city

Dominus, a progressive developer specialising in urban renewal, has submitted plans for an exciting redevelopment of The Meadows shopping centre and surrounding area. The developer has ambitions to breathe new life into the heart of Chelmsford city centre, creating a new 365-day a year destination and revitalising the 3.5-hectare site in collaboration with architecture practice, JTP.

Dominus has a bold vision for the site: subject to planning approval it would become a daytime and nighttime destination; a thriving and sustainable mixed-use space that brings the riverside back to life and celebrates Chelmsford’s character, heritage, and identity.

Plans for a revitalised site include over 8,500 sqm of retail, commercial and leisure space with potential to create nearly 400 full-time jobs.  This is complemented by up to 762 much-needed new homes, creating a residential neighbourhood within the city centre, alleviating pressure on greenfield land for housing development which is less sustainable and more likely to contribute to commuter traffic.

The area would benefit from a renewed sense of place is supported by a heritage-inspired design and nearly 1.7 hectares of high-quality public space, equating to the size of 2.5 football pitches. The transformed development will complement the retail offer of the City Centre, strengthen the southern end of the High Street and create a new riverside destination to help boost the city’s daytime and nighttime economy. Improved pedestrian routes have been proposed, to create a more connected and walkable community, enriching the overall urban experience and offering increased opportunity for social interaction.

Visually, local heritage would be reflected with a curated palette of materials referencing the site’s history and defining relationship with water, being at the confluence of the River Can and River Chelmer. This reimagined heart of Chelmsford serves to celebrate and transform the riverside, creating an animated link between the banks and enhancing existing biodiversity with more green space.

Sustainable travel would be encouraged, to complement good existing public transport links: the development is proposed to be ‘car-free’ (notwithstanding provision for Blue Badge holders), with improved accessible pedestrian and cycle connections and a new mobility hub offering community facilities such as bike hire.

Dominus’ vision for the site has been informed by extensive consultation with the local community and stakeholders over the past eight months, including four days of events, in-person meetings, letters, and digital media. The consultation programme reached 1,700 local people, with 5,400 newsletters delivered and 6,900 visits to the dedicated project website.

Tristram Taylor, Development Manager at Dominus, said:

“By working collaboratively with Chelmsford City Council, we have created a vision for a distinctive destination, not just buildings, within which residents and visitors can enjoy. Our vision would transform The Meadows into a thriving riverside quarter fit for a growing and ambitious city like Chelmsford. We have worked with the community to understand local priorities, crafting a future for the site as rich as its heritage, one that nurtures local initiatives, brings housing back into the city, supports its economic potential, and delivers long-term positive impact for both Chelmsford and its people.”

Dominic Chapman, Partner at JTP said:

“It has been fantastic to partner with Dominus and on this hugely important regeneration project in the heart of Chelmsford. The team has worked hard to truly understand and celebrate the unique DNA, character and history of Chelmsford City Centre, including hosting a market stall in the town – alongside other consultation processes – to engage with the local people and fully explore life in Chelmsford. Together, we are excited to have created a vibrant new riverside quarter for the city with a network of yards, streets and spaces that reflect the historic high street and grain of the area, as well as the stunning riverside location.” 

A hybrid planning application has been submitted. A detailed application accounts for the intention to replace existing buildings with new retail, commercial and community space, curated public realm, a temporary mobility hub and 537 homes. The outline planning application includes a further 225 new homes, new retail and/or commercial and/or community space and new public realm at the south east of the site.