A CEREMONY was held to mark the latest stages of a building development for 26 new homes in Chelmsford.

The site for Moulsham Lodge, the former home to a community organisation, is being developed by Essex Housing, Essex County Council’s in-house developer.

The ceremony was attended by Gagan Mohindra, councillor for economic growth, Dick Madden and Mark Springett, councillors for Moulsham, as well as representatives from DCH Construction, Essex Housing and Oxbury Chartered Surveyors.

As part of the scheme, a new facility was purchased nearby from Essex Police, securing the long term future of this important community group.

Gagan Mohindra said: “Today represents a real landmark in our drive to build the homes which the people of Essex need and deserve.

“Speeding up housing growth is vital to driving economic growth, but more importantly to ensure Essex is a great place to live, work and grow up, and so our residents are able to get a foot on the property ladder.”

Dick Madden said: “I am delighted to see the transformation of this area into what will be an attractive and modern place to live, improving the outlook for the residents of Waltham Glen and surrounding areas.”

Planning was granted in October 2017 for 26 flats in three apartment blocks of private and specialist housing together with associated external works.

Work on site started in January 2018 and completion of development is expected for October.

The site at Waltham Glen was home to the trust (MLCT) but after the centre closed in 2005 it has been sitting vacant.

In March 2017, the council bought the former police station nearby before handing a long-term lease to MLCT, putting an end to years of uncertainty and freeing up the Waltham Glen site for redevelopment.

Over the last two years Essex Housing have progressed a number of developments working with partners including councils.

The total number of developments being progressed will provide 605 new homes and a significant amount of land with future potential exists.

In October 2018, Goldlay Square, the first major scheme, was completed and to date has sales agreed on 60 per cent of the units flats.