Channels Chelmsford

Cowen+Partners was briefed to deliver the masterplan for The Channels, part of the wider Chelmsford Garden Town being brought forward by JTP and Ptarmigan. This highly sustainable new community will deliver 3,000 homes during the Chelmsford Local Plan period up to 2036 and around 5,000 homes in total.

The aim was to create a distinct neighbourhood with its own focus and unique design. It includes a range of housing typologies, including later living, alongside a hotel, commercial, retail and office space, all stitched together around a central eco hub.

The eco hub is a focus of green infrastructure that maximises existing ecology, natural flora and fauna. Enhancing this green infrastructure creates green links throughout the wider masterplan to a network of amenity spaces across the site to encourage the formation of communities and active spaces. Connecting a clear hierarchy of public spaces, ensuring accessibility to the central park and reducing emphasis on the car.