Chelmsford City Council has invited developers to take part in early engagement for a £300m residential-led scheme at Chelmer Waterside.
The authority is seeking a development partner to acquire and deliver three strategic sites, covering 15.6 acres, which have been earmarked for high-density residential, commercial and community use.
The plots could accommodate between 770 and 1,000 new homes in total, with 35 per cent of the housing to be delivered as affordable.
The project will be procured under the new Procurement Act 2023. It is classified as a works contract, with some ancillary real estate services, and is expected to run from January 2026 to January 2032.
Developers who have delivered more than 200 homes on a single site in the past five years have been asked to book one-to-one virtual sessions with the council and its adviser Lambert Smith Hampton from 14 April 2025.
The meetings will be used to discuss residential mix, affordable housing integration, and place-making proposals.
Engagement will close on 23 April. A formal contract notice is expected in May.
Only 15 engagement slots will be available, with meetings held on a first-come, first-served basis.
The £300m gross development value includes VAT.
The notice stipulates that contact should be made via email rather than through the Delta eSourcing portal, which hosts the information pack.
Source: Gov.uk Find a Tender