Why Chelmsford

Invest in a city where business thrives, community flourishes, and quality of life excels.

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A city with countless reasons to invest

With its strategic location, dynamic business community, and well-developed infrastructure, Chelmsford stands out as one of the UK’s most attractive locations for business investment. Here are just a few reasons why Chelmsford is the perfect investment.  

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Perfectly positioned

Situated in the heart of Essex, Chelmsford enjoys an enviable location just 30 miles from London, with convenient access to major international airports and excellent connections via national road networks. Adding to this appeal, Chelmsford will soon welcome the addition of a second railway station—the first to be built on the Great Eastern mainline in over a century—further strengthening its accessibility and cementing its place as a well-connected, modern city.

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Located in the Heart of Essex

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30 miles to London

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2 Park and Ride Sites

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Foundation for growth

Chelmsford’s economy is one of the fastest growing in Essex, and it’s easy to see why. With a dynamic mix of local enterprises, a robust gross value added (GVA), and a strategic emphasis on high-growth industries, Chelmsford stands as a powerhouse within Essex and across the East of England. More than 9,000 businesses have made Chelmsford their home, across a diverse range of sectors that includes everything from innovative start-ups and SMEs to large multinational corporations. This strong base of businesses supports a high level of employment in the area, with the city’s job market continuing to expand as new businesses are established.

Decographics Gdp Value Economy

Contributes over £5.6 billion to the local economy

Decographics Number Of Businesses

Home to over 9,000 businesses

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90,000 employee jobs

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Brimming with talent

Chelmsford is home to a highly skilled and diverse workforce, thanks to its well-established educational institutions and thriving professional community. This vibrant talent pool is continually strengthened by graduates from Anglia Ruskin University—recently awarded the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023—alongside Chelmsford College and a network of top-performing secondary schools. This combination of academic excellence and professional vitality ensures that Chelmsford remains a hub for talent and opportunity, supporting the city's growth and appeal for both businesses and residents alike.

Decographics Number Of Jobs

83.1% of the population is economically active

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Over 56% educated to RQF4 and above

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32,000 school children and full-time students

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A place to call home

Over 180,000 people already call Chelmsford home and it’s easy to see the appeal. With a vibrant city centre, surrounded by a wealth of picturesque villages Chelmsford really can offer something for everyone. Alongside the existing offer, a new community of around 10,000 new homes is shaping the future growth of Chelmsford within the Chelmsford Garden Community – a development which has already been recognised as a design exemplar in the National Design Guide.

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76,000 homes

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Average house price is £385,000

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Garden Community delivering over 10,000 new homes

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Unlocking capacity

Chelmsford is dedicated to enhancing its infrastructure, ensuring it remains a prime location for businesses to grow and succeed. Major developments are transforming the city, including the development of a second railway station, the first to be constructed in over 100 years on the Great Eastern Main Line. Other major developments include the construction of the longest curved multi-span bridge over land in England, and the development of a new North East bypass that will improve connectivity to London Stansted Airport and surrounding areas. The city centre has also been revitalised with a £10 million investment, creating vibrant public spaces and a fully pedestrianised High Street.

Development Infrastructure

£230m Government investment in city infrastructure

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£170m investment in Beaulieu Park Station

Development Public Realm 02

£40m infrastructure investment in Chelmer Waterside regeneration

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Living well

Chelmsford offers an exceptional quality of life, where the best of urban living seamlessly blends with natural beauty. With its four rivers, 17 Green Flag parks, and expansive green spaces, the city provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, whether it's enjoying peaceful riverside walks or exploring scenic nature reserves. The city’s outdoor spaces serve as a calm retreat, while also playing host to a wide range of events, from food and drink festivals to cultural celebrations. The lively city centre boasts a fantastic mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, while a thriving visitor economy continues to draw people from across the region, adding to the city's vibrant charm.

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17 Green Flag parks

Bus Support Purple Flag

Received the Purple Flag Award 11 years running

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Tourist economy worth over £310 million

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