Chelmsford's Beaulieu development wins prestigious award

The Beaulieu development in Chelmsford has been awarded ‘The Great Neighbourhood 2024’ in The Academy of Urbanism Awards. These prestigious awards recognise a small number of outstanding places across the UK and Europe every year. Beaulieu went up against Graylingwell in Chichester and Port Loop, Birmingham, to come out top in its category. The Countryside and L&Q development takes its place alongside other winners, including Finnish capital Helsinki (The European City of the Year 2024), Strand Aldwych in Westminster (The Great Street 2024), Shrewsbury in Shropshire (The Great Town/Small City 2024), and Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen (The Great Place 2024).

Judges visited finalists in the summer

The awards recognise the best and most enduring urban environments in the UK. Judges visited each location over the summer to find out exactly what makes them great places to live and visit. Winners were then voted on by Academy of Urbanism members from a shortlist of three candidates in each category.

Beaulieu has a range of neighbourhood amenities and facilities. Photography: Jennifer Fage, Be Inspired Media

Early infrastructure and excellent landscaping key

In announcing its finalists earlier in the year, the academy said Beaulieu “creates its own character with varied architecture and distinctly designed sites connected by parks and open space”. The judges praised the “embedding of key neighbourhood amenities and community facilities, such as shops, allotments and Essex’s first all-through primary/secondary schools” at an early stage in Beaulieu’s development, which they said was a “welcome change to trends often found in other new developments”.

Conceived as a series of distinctly designed neighbourhoods linked by extensive parks and open spaces, Beaulieu’s landscaping was also noted as playing “a big part in the neighbourhood’s character”. Its Green Flag Award and “176 acres of varied public open spaces” were acknowledged “to enhance the lives and wellbeing of residents and wildlife alike”. Initiatives like free bus travel for new residents, bike maintenance workshops, and e-scooter trials were also considered as part of the submission.

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“We are delighted that Beaulieu has been recognised as a ‘Great Neighbourhood’ by The Academy of Urbanism. This award is a testament to the vision, dedication, and collaboration shared by the extensive stakeholder team. Our goal has always been to create an inspiring and sustainable community that helps meets housing needs while enhancing quality of life for residents. We’re incredibly proud of what we have achieved so far and are excited to see the community continue to flourish.”

Martin Leach, Managing Director, Strategic Land and Major Projects, Countryside

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“At L&Q our mission is to create homes and neighbourhoods everyone can be proud of, so we are definitely thrilled to deliver on that mission and have Beaulieu officially recognised as a ‘Great Neighbourhood’. Beaulieu is so much more than a ‘scheme’ or a ‘development’ – it exemplifies our vision for an exceptional, integrated neighbourhood, with new homes supported by extensive infrastructure and community amenities. A vision shared with our development partner Countryside and the local authority and one which we will continue to deliver on, as the neighbourhood continues to grow.”

Adam Simpson, Development and Project Management Director, L&Q

Beaulieu's distinctive landscaping and green spaces. Photography: Jennifer Fage, Be Inspired Media

Beaulieu is one of the first neighbourhoods of Chelmsford Garden Community

The new quarter of Beaulieu, on the north-eastern edge of the city, will deliver up to 3,600 high-quality new homes and is one of the first neighbourhoods being built as part of Chelmsford Garden Community. Its development has been guided by a shared vision from developers Countryside and L&Q, Chelmsford City Council, and other stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the council’s development plans. This includes diverse travel options, sustainable housing, and community-driven design. Beaulieu Park Railway Station is also currently under construction and expected to open in 2025, as is a new relief road in 2026.

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"This is a fantastic achievement for Beaulieu and the wider city. We’re proud of the work the team at Chelmsford City Council has done with our partners to ensure that Beaulieu is an outstanding neighbourhood that serves the needs of its residents, now and in the future. Thriving, well designed places come from collaboration and being open to innovation. This recognition, along with other awards for Chelmsford Garden Community, is an acknowledgement of the great foundation for future development coming to this area.”

Jeremy Potter, Spatial Planning Services Manager, Chelmsford City Council

See all the winners

Find out more about the area on the Beaulieu website and the Chelmsford Garden Community website. For details about the Academy of Urbanism’s awards and all the finalists, go to https://www.theaou.org/articles/winners-2024.