Proposals for the redevelopment of the ground in Chelmsford date back to 2004 with permission granted in 2010. However, the construction of the initial phase of Essex Cricket Club’s development is now imminent. MCD, the club’s development partner, has signed the building contract that will see Kier Construction build a residential tower of 62 apartments on the current cricket club car park.
Grace Kerr, partner and head of the property team in Chelmsford said: “The Club is starting a major transformation that will see capacity of the ground increase to 8,000 seats by building four residential blocks around the ground. The mixed-use redevelopment will eventually see a new pavilion and media centre built, along with conferencing facilities, as well as a new public piazza area and a new pedestrian bridge across the river. It has been a tremendously exciting project to advise on and I’m delighted to have been involved in this iconic development for Chelmsford.”
Derek Bowden, chief executive of Essex County Cricket Club said “This project has been in gestation for a decade and had been delayed because of the economic and financial climate. Birketts has an excellent reputation for property work within our region. The tenacity of Grace and the team have ensured that our redevelopment plans are finally becoming a reality.
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