On 13th November, Countryside and L&Q’s Beaulieu development in Chelmsford won the ‘Great Neighbourhood’ category at the 2024 Academy of Urbanism Awards, which recognises the best and most enduring urban environments in the UK.
The vibrant new district of Beaulieu will ultimately deliver up to 3,600 high quality new homes in an inspirational landscape and is one of the first neighbourhoods being built as part of Chelmsford Garden Community. Beaulieu's development has been guided by a shared vision from JV partners Countryside and L&Q, as well as partners Chelmsford City Council and the wider stakeholder team, ensuring alignment with the city’s Local Area Action Plan. This includes diverse travel options, sustainable housing, and community-driven design.
A key feature is the early delivery of Beaulieu Square, a vibrant neighbourhood hub with shops, schools, and community spaces, which encourages interaction and sustainable travel. With 176 acres of public open space and strong emphasis on landscape, Beaulieu has earned a Green Flag Award with initiatives like free bus travel for new residents, bike maintenance workshops, and e-scooter trials, supporting sustainability and mobility.
Conceived as a series of distinctly designed neighbourhoods linked by extensive parks and open spaces, Beaulieu offers a complete range of housing to suit different buyers and lifestyles. Supported by exemplary infrastructure and community facilities including a new neighbourhood centre, schools, parks and open spaces, new relief road and the new Beaulieu Park Railway Station currently under construction.
Martin Leach, Managing Director, Strategic Land and Major Projects, Countryside, said: “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.”
Adam Simpson, Development and Project Management Director, L&Q, said: “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.”
Jeremy Potter, Spatial Planning Services Manager, Chelmsford City Council, said:
"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.”
