23 July 2020

Minister of State for Housing The Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP

visits Beaulieu to see the development progress

Countryside, the UK’s leading mixed-tenure developer, and L&Q, one of the UK’s leading housing associations were delighted to welcome the Minister of State for Housing The Rt. Hon Christopher Pincher MP to Beaulieu on 23^rd July 2020.

Joined by Vicky Ford, MP for Chelmsford, Paul Kitson, Director Homes England, and senior representatives from joint venture partners Countryside and L&Q, the Housing Minister was given an overview of progress at Beaulieu and taken on a comprehensive walking tour to view the housing and infrastructure delivery that has taken place since the last ministerial visit in 2016.

Beaulieu is well on its way to becoming a vibrant new quarter for the City of Chelmsford ultimately providing 3,600 new homes, a neighbourhood centre, multiple educational facilities, estate parkland and open spaces, and a business park, all underpinned by a new by-pass and main line railway station to be part funded by Government HIF money.

The minister’s visit comes at the 5-year anniversary mark of the first sales launch on site. Already, 600 private sale homes and 198 affordable homes are occupied, and extensive community facilities opened and established, including a new Neighbourhood Centre with a nursery, community centre, education centre, shops and health facilities.

The minister’s walking tour began with a visit to the new Beaulieu Square neighbourhood centre to view the retail, community, and education facilities. Here he was met by Revd. Dan Pierce, who gave an insight into the strong community spirit at Beaulieu. The Minister went on to view The Beaulieu Park School, Essex’s first all-through school, which opened its doors to the first intake of primary school children in September 2018 and secondary school students in September 2019.

Having viewed the new parkland and landscaped open spaces, public art and distinctly designed Beaulieu Heath and Beaulieu Chase residential neighbourhoods the Minister was shown the next stage of active development.

The Minister visited The Arbour at Beaulieu, an exciting new phase being delivered by L&Q and was given a guided tour by Apprentice Project Planner Muhammed Ali Akbulet. Once completed, this phase will deliver 300 affordable homes, including 255 for shared ownership and 45 for affordable rent. He also met an L&Q resident and heard about how shared ownership – where you part-own and part-rent your home – had helped her to purchase her home at Beaulieu.

Chris Bladon, Managing Director of Countryside’s New Homes and Communities Eastern Region comments:

“We were delighted to welcome the Housing Minister to Beaulieu and to have the opportunity to showcase the progress we have made on this significant site since the development’s launch in 2015. An important part of our vision for the development is to create a thriving community by integrating advanced community facilities from the outset and investing in social infrastructure and new transport connections. This vibrant community will continue to flourish as we press forward with our extensive build programme.”

Craig Luttman, Deputy Group Director of Development and Sales, L&Q said:

“It was fantastic to have the Housing Minister visit Beaulieu to see first-hand the vibrant community we’ve been building. Residents living here have access to abundant green spaces, community facilities, and a new school on their doorstep – and the new railway and bypass being built show what can be achieved when we work together with Government.

“With homes available at a range of price points, including shared ownership, there’s truly something for everyone here. We would encourage anyone to come up and see what all the buzz is about themselves.”

For more information on the development please visit www.beaulieu.uk.com