The agreement will see the existing derelict community hall replaced with a brand-new facility at the Waterloo and Queen Street regeneration site. This move supports the wider 12 Estates regeneration programme, a joint venture with Wates Residential, to deliver new homes and public spaces while maintaining the community facility for local residents.
This land swap marks a positive step for the Waterloo and Queen Street regeneration programme, which aims to provide new affordable homes, improved public spaces, and an enhanced community hub to foster a thriving neighbourhood.
The new hall is designed to be a modern, fit-for-purpose space for community, faith, and local activities, serving as an important asset for current and future generations. This follows the recent use of part of the site for 18 modular homes to assist homeless families.
Planning permission was granted in February 2026 for 107 new affordable homes at Blocks 9 and 10, near Cotleigh Road.
“"The Waterloo and Queen Street regeneration is about creating a neighbourhood that works for both existing and future residents. Securing the future of the community hall through this land swap demonstrates our commitment to protecting valued community facilities alongside delivering new affordable homes. By working collaboratively with the Church of England Diocese of Chelmsford, we are ensuring that local people will benefit from improved facilities, new homes and a stronger, more vibrant community for generations to come. This Administration is about getting things done and we are determined to get this important and large regeneration started given it has been stalled for too many years."
