Proposals for the redevelopment of Chelmsford's six-acre Anglia Polythechnic University (APU) Central Campus site will be on full view at a three-day public exhibition starting today.

The scheme is designed by Richard Rogers Partnership architects and will be built by Countryside Properties, who have recently submitted an outline planning application for the site.

The proposals provide apartments, as well as offices, retail and leisure facilities, restaurants, cafs and a new Arts Quarter grouped around a central 2.4 acre landscaped park providing open space for residents, workers and the general public.

How the polytechnic campus could look

APU has established a new campus at Rivermead and the student population will leave Chelmsford's central campus site in two phases in 2003/4 and 2005/6.

The work should commence, subject to planning permission, in 2003/4 with an anticipated completion date of 2008/9.

Rick de Blaby, Countryside Properties' Director running the project said: "The Central Campus site in Chelmsford is a huge opportunity for the town. We are very pleased and excited to be working with Chelmsford Borough Council to give the County town the focus for its new West End."

He said: "The project is well integrated with public transport and will form a new gateway to Chelmsford, particularly to those arriving by rail and involves the retention and re-use of existing buildings of architectural merit."

The exhibition at the Anne Knight Building in Duke Street will be held today from 11am to 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

Published Friday October 25, 2002