Following a thorough public procurement process, Essex-based housing
association CHP has appointed leading housing practice HTA Design to work with
them on a community-led regeneration in the centre of Chelmsford.
Appointing HTA is one of the first steps in CHP’s plans to regenerate the
Andrews Place and Rainsford Lane area of Chelmsford to replace the 69 existing
bungalows built on the two-hectare site in 1949, with a wider variety of new
affordable homes that better meet the specific needs of local residents.
CHP customers currently living in the area were part of the selection panel
who met with the shortlisted architects to assess their submissions. The panel
was particularly looking for companies with a track record of working with
residents, Chelmsford City Council and the wider community. This customer-led
approach is at the heart of CHP’s regeneration plans.
HTA’s proposal focuses on understanding the people, the area, and the site
itself. Following its successful appointment, the practice joined CHP at a
recent community event where they met more customers in person for the first
time. HTA will now continue spending more time getting to know the area, local
stakeholders and CHP’s customers before creating detailed plans for the site.
Working closely with the local community, the plans will see CHP and HTA
deliver a multi-generational community comprising flexible, targeting
zero-carbon homes and a range of one to four bedroom homes, interactive new
green spaces and social areas, and better connections to the adjacent river Can
and nearby parks.
Fiona Hollingsworth, CHP’s Growth and Partnerships Director said: “CHP is always looking at how best we can provide
more much-needed local affordable housing. Throughout the tender process HTA
showed not only their vast experience but also their commitment to customer
engagement and community led development which is vitally important to us.
We’re looking forward to working with HTA and our customers as we further
invest in the area and the community”.
Paul Maddock, Associate Partner HTA Design said: “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with CHP, its
customers, and the wider Chelmsford community to realise the regeneration of
Andrews Place. Our concept design is centred on creating a healthy,
dementia-friendly place that opens onto Admirals Park. In line with our
component-led design approach, the plans include a range of flexible dual
aspect housing types making the homes easier to construct, readily adaptable to
residents’ changing needs and offering sustainable design quality.
"We’re looking forward to
developing our concept ideas further with the local community to create a truly
multi-generational garden neighbourhood, featuring biodiverse playable green
spaces, a reprovision of later living homes designed to HAPPI principles, and
100% affordable housing overall for Chelmsford.”
Keith lives in one of the bungalows at Andrews Place and was part of the
panel who appointed HTA. Keith said: “I was
keen to be involved as I wanted to see what the different companies had to
offer and how what they were proposing might affect me. I enjoyed taking part
and it was interesting to see and hear what each company had to offer. I worked
in the construction industry for many years and still have a keen interest so
I’m looking forward to being able to get involved again during the next steps
of this process”.
