The 6.3-hectare brownfield site, split across several parcels of land in the city centre, has capacity for between 770 and 1,000 new homes alongside leisure, commercial and community space.

Council chiefs want a residential-led mixed-use scheme that makes the most of the riverside setting,  while unlocking new jobs, homes and investment. Around 35% of all homes must be affordable, with local housing association CHP named as the preferred buyer.

The scheme will also involve the complex clean-up of the former gasworks, demolition of existing structures, land remediation and delivering a long-term estate management strategy.

Car parking solutions will need to be integrated into the masterplan. Contractor Graham has already built a new access road and bridge over the River Chelmer as a key part of the plan.

As part of the social value package, the winning bidder must roll out a skills and training programme linked to the scheme’s phased build-out, which is expected to run until 2032.

Developers are being urged to register via the Delta eSourcing portal and complete pre-qualification questionnaires by 12 noon on 3 October 2025.

Up to three bidders will be shortlisted for negotiation, with a final preferred partner due to be named in February 2026.

If successful, Chelmer Waterside will become one of the biggest regeneration projects in Essex, transforming a key city centre site into a new riverside quarter.