Chelmsford reached a major milestone this month with the official opening of Bow Bridge Road, a pivotal piece of infrastructure that lays the foundation for transformative growth in the heart of the city.
This new 50-metre Corten steel bridge and access road connects Parkway to Chelmer Waterside, opening up vital new access to one of Chelmsford’s most promising development areas — a former brownfield area now primed to deliver over 1,000 new homes, green spaces, and community infrastructure.
The completion of Bow Bridge Road marks the transition into the next phase of development at Chelmer Waterside, enabling better connectivity to newly completed homes and paving the way for further investment.
To date, over 446 new homes have already been delivered by Taylor Wimpey, with future phases unlocking space for hundreds more — including 35% affordable housing — as well as public amenities and riverside green space.
Situated just a short walk from the city centre, this emerging urban neighbourhood combines sustainability with strategic planning, offering long-term value for both residents and investors.
Delivered through a collaboration between Chelmsford City Council, GRAHAM Group, Buro Happold, and Homes England, and supported by developer contributions and the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, Bow Bridge exemplifies an infrastructure-first approach that prioritises sustainable, inclusive growth.
The bridge has been designed to support all modes of travel, with dedicated walking and cycling routes, vehicular access managed through width restrictions and a 20mph limit, and safe navigation for boats along the River Chelmer. This balance between functionality, accessibility, and environmental stewardship has already earned the bridge a shortlisting for the New Civil Engineer Road Bridge Project of the Year Award.
Beyond its engineering and architectural significance, Bow Bridge Road represents a broader vision for urban transformation and opportunity creation in Chelmsford. With industrial heritage reflected in its Corten steel design and scenic river views preserved, it blends the past with the future to create a new gateway into the Chelmer Waterside neighbourhood.
As part of the Local Plan, Chelmer Waterside has been identified as a key growth zone for Chelmsford — one that will play a critical role in meeting housing demand, creating jobs, and enhancing the city’s liveability. Future works include further land remediation and utility relocations, setting the stage for continued delivery throughout 2025 and beyond.
Chelmer Waterside is more than a housing site — it is a strategic opportunity zone, combining riverside living, walkable neighbourhoods, and sustainable design with city-centre convenience. With the completion of Bow Bridge Road, the area is now fully open for further residential, commercial, and community development.
For developers, investors, and businesses, this signals a unique opportunity to become part of Chelmsford’s future — one that’s built on smart infrastructure, sustainable design, and maximised potential.
For more information visit: chelmsford.gov.uk/chelmer-waterside
If you have any questions or need further information about the exciting opportunities in Chelmsford, our dedicated team is here to help.
Contact Us