Beaulieu Park Station: 2026 Construction Update

Chelmsford’s Beaulieu Park station, a £252 million railway project, is nearing completion, boosting transport and economic growth in the region. This significant infrastructure upgrade improves connectivity and sustainable transport options.

Beaulieu Park Station: 2026 Construction Update
February 15, 2023 7:09 pm
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Project Profile: Beaulieu Park Station, Chelmsford

Beaulieu Park Station is a major railway infrastructure development on the Great Eastern Main Line (GEML) in Chelmsford, Essex. Part of a £252 million regeneration programme, the project delivers a new three-platform station designed to support significant regional housing growth and enhance commuter capacity into London Liverpool Street. The development integrates new rail, road, and active travel infrastructure to create a modern, sustainable transport hub.

AttributeDetails
Project NameBeaulieu Park Station
LocationChelmsford, Essex, UK (on the Great Eastern Main Line)
Track LengthIncludes a new 1.2km passing loop and associated trackwork
Line SpeedDesigned for GEML stopping and express services (up to 100 mph)
Estimated Cost£252 million (inclusive of associated infrastructure)
StatusUnder Construction (as of late 2025)
Key ContractorsNetwork Rail (Client), J Murphy & Sons (Lead Contractor)

Technical Specifications

The core of the Beaulieu Park Station project is the construction of three new platforms on a central loop, situated off the main Great Eastern Main Line. This configuration is engineered to allow slower stopping services to call at the station without impeding faster express services, thereby increasing overall line capacity and resilience. The station infrastructure includes a modern, fully accessible building with step-free access to all platforms provided by lifts. Signalling systems on the GEML are being upgraded to integrate the new station and loop line, ensuring safe and efficient train movements.

The project also encompasses significant civil engineering works, including the construction of a new bus interchange, a 700-space car park, and secure parking for 500 bicycles. It is directly connected to the new Chelmsford North East Bypass, forming a key part of the Chelmsford Garden Community development. The station building itself is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring retail spaces and modern passenger amenities such as accessible restrooms and waiting areas.

Key Takeaways

  • Strategic Decongestion: The station’s design, featuring a dedicated passing loop, directly addresses a key bottleneck on the Great Eastern Main Line, improving timetable reliability and enabling increased service frequencies between London and the East of England.
  • Enabling Regional Growth: This project is a critical enabler for the Chelmsford Garden Community, providing essential transport infrastructure to support the development of up to 14,000 new homes by offering a sustainable alternative to private car use.
  • Model of Collaborative Funding: The project exemplifies a successful public-private partnership, combining government funding from the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) with contributions from local authorities and private developer Countryside Properties to deliver vital infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will Beaulieu Park Station open?

Beaulieu Park Station is scheduled to become operational and open to the public in 2026. Major construction work commenced in early 2023 and is progressing towards the planned completion date.

Who is building the new Beaulieu Park Station?

The lead contractor for the station’s construction and associated rail systems is J Murphy & Sons. The project is managed by Network Rail, in a strategic partnership with Essex County Council, Chelmsford City Council, and developer Countryside Properties.