CHELSMFORD will see nearly £11 million pumped into it from the government that will help create new jobs and homes.

The city will being given £10 million for the Chelmsford City Growth Area, that will see transport improvements in the city centre, improving flow and access, reducing congestion, encouraging cycling and walking and enabling the provision of up to 1,560 new homes and 1,770 jobs.

Another £800,000 will be spent for a flood alleviation scheme to protect over 1,000 commercial and residential properties and enable 800 new jobs and 250 new homes in Chelmsford city centre The money is part of Essex County Council’s share of £46.1 million of Local Growth Fund money secured by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Infrastructure, said: “This money is a welcome boost for the economy of Essex. The three projects we have been successful in bidding for will have a huge positive impact on people in Essex.

“The Chelmsford City Growth Area funding will boost the regeneration of Chelmsford City centre, helping us to unlock potential and opportunity of the city centre which will result in new jobs and homes.

“Also in Chelmsford, the flood alleviation scheme will protect houses and businesses providing valuable security which is vital for a prosperous economy.

“We will work with our partners in these projects to make these schemes reality. They are further proof that Essex means business.”

Peter Jones, South East LEP Chair, said: “This Growth Deal is a huge boost for the South East Economy - through our Deal with Government almost half a billion pounds is now to be invested in local growth, supporting projects of national significance and of real importance to local areas, bringing new jobs, businesses and homes. “