Published: 27 October 2025 | From: Department for Transport and Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE
Economic Growth and Connectivity for the East of England
Hundreds of thousands of people across the region now have access to faster, more reliable services as Beaulieu Park Station opens to the public ahead of schedule. The development is expected to generate a £250 million economic boost for the area.
Funded by £141 million from the Housing Infrastructure Fund, this milestone demonstrates the government’s commitment to unifying track and train under Great British Railways, ensuring maximum benefit for passengers and communities.
The station will offer up to 4 trains per hour during peak times and 2 trains per hour off-peak, with direct rail access to London Liverpool Street in just 40 minutes and Colchester in 25 minutes. This improved connectivity aims to reduce car journeys and pollution for local communities.
Operated by Publicly-Owned Greater Anglia
The station will be operated by Greater Anglia, which recently became a publicly-owned operator—part of the government’s efforts to build a simpler, unified railway under Great British Railways.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy celebrated the opening, stating that with over £140 million of government investment, the project will unlock new housing, create jobs, and drive prosperity across the East of England.
“Under the trusted services of publicly-owned Greater Anglia, we’re delivering on our Plan for Change by building a simpler, more modern rail network that supports communities and powers the UK’s economy,” Lord Hendy said.
The government now has half of all rail operators publicly owned, delivering a network that prioritises accountability, efficiency, and reliability.
A Cornerstone of the Chelmsford Garden Community Project
The new station forms a key part of the Chelmsford Garden Community project, which will provide 10,000 new homes along with vital infrastructure such as shops, healthcare facilities, and schools. This aligns with the government’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.
Martin Beable, Managing Director of Greater Anglia, highlighted that services will be operated by new, air-conditioned Class 720 trains offering plug/USB points and free Wi-Fi. The station will be staffed from the first to the last train, seven days a week.
“Located right next to the Beaulieu housing development and the A12, we expect the new station to be a very attractive and popular option for travellers from that part of Essex,” said Beable.
Infrastructure and Transport Improvements in the Region
The opening of Beaulieu Park Station coincides with other major transport upgrades, including the government-funded improvement of Junction 28 between London and Essex, connecting the M25 to the A12 eastbound. This scheme aims to ease congestion, enhance safety, and boost economic growth.
Local Leaders Welcome the Development
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council, praised the project’s impact on local travel and economic development.
“Beaulieu Park station will both unlock economic development in the surrounding areas and transform travel in and around Chelmsford. It is fantastic to see Beaulieu Park station open and I thank everyone involved for their hard work in helping deliver it ahead of schedule,” she said.
McKinlay emphasized Essex County Council’s commitment to providing infrastructure that supports residents, visitors, and businesses while future-proofing the county for generations to come.