In a landmark development for the UK’s railway network, Beaulieu Park Station officially opened its doors today in Chelmsford, Essex.
This marks the first new station to be added on the Great Eastern Main Line in more than 100 years.
The launch, held four months ahead of schedule, heralds a significant advance in the region’s transport infrastructure, with the potential to reshape commuting and tourism patterns across Essex by providing direct, efficient links to London Liverpool Street and Colchester.
Chelmsford was previously named one of the best value commuter spots in the UK, with the existing train station in the city centre offering direct trains to London in under 40 minutes.
However, for commuters in the north of the city, in areas such as Springfield and the new developments in Beaulieu Park, the journey was less convenient, with Chelmsofrd train station roughly three miles away.
Now, residents in north Chelmsford and future residents of Beaulieu Park will have a far more convenient route into the capital, making the new builds an ideal option for commuters.
Positioned to cater to the area’s expanding population and reduce pressure on existing transport routes, Beaulieu Park provides direct and swift rail connections to central London’s Liverpool Street in approximately 40 minutes and to Colchester in just 25 minutes.
There are three platforms and a central loop designed to allow non-stop trains to pass through with minimal disruption, as well as over 700 car parking spaces and more than 500 cycle racks.
Things to do in Chelmsford
Close to Beaulieu Park Station, Chelmsford is rich in heritage sites and museums that narrate its historical journey.
Hylands House and Estate is a Grade II mansion set within a sprawling 574-acre park, offering guided tours of period interiors and hosting seasonal events, outdoor theatre, music festivals, and family-friendly activities.
Chelmsford Museum, meanwhile, presents engaging exhibits on Chelmsford’s local history, archaeology, and art, with collections spanning prehistoric artefacts to contemporary works. Family workshops and temporary exhibitions further enrich the visitor experience.
For nature-loving residents, Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation is a historic canal offering tranquil walking and cycling routes along quiet towpaths, ideal for birdwatching and riverside café stops.
Meanwhile, the city’s bustling centre combines modern retail with cosy cafés and diverse cuisines.
Pedestrianised zones host high street retail brands alongside boutique stores, and Chelmsford Theatre regularly features live drama, dance, comedy, and music performances.
The Galvin Green Man is a local pub offering a Michelin Bib Gourmand menu, while Voodoo Keller (which is a taproom of the Chelmsford Brew Co) and grassroots music venue Hot Box are also popular spots among locals.
Property prices in Chelmsford
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, the average house price in Chelmsford was £387,000 in August 2025.
This is an increase of 4.7% from the year before and a higher increase than the 3% rise in the East of England over the same period, perhaps reflecting Chelmsford’s increasing appeal for commuters.
Meanwhile, private rents rose to an average of £1,416 in September 2025, an annual increase of 10.7% from £1,279 in September 2024.
For first-time buyers, the average price paid was £306,000 in August 2025.
The early completion and opening of Beaulieu Park Station is expected to attract both commuters and tourists to the area, and officials expect the station to act as a catalyst for economic growth, anticipating a £250 million boost.
What locals say about Chelmsford
Chelmsford locals have shared their views on the city in the subreddit r/Chelmsford, with many sharing the advantages of living in the commuter town.
One user said: ‘We get so much more house for our pounds vs the capital. The best part is that people are actually welcoming and friendly. For a family, there’s great parks, good everyday shopping, traffic isn’t horrible given the city’s small size.’
Another wrote: ‘It’s nice to be closer to greenery — I run and cycle a lot so enjoy that a lot more. There’s a lot of country pubs too if that’s your thing.’
And one local said they enjoy the ‘community and chilled vibe’ in Chelmsford.
However, others described the city as ‘a bit dull’.
One user, who grew up in Chelmsford, wrote: ‘The city is a bit dull but has everything you need, you can’t complain, lots of spots to eat, lots of spots the get your hair cut and some good bars. A nice park and some nice neighbourhoods.’
Another added: ‘Downside is Chelmsford can be a bit boring from an urban perspective. Upside is it’s safe, low crime etc. Also access to lots of nice countryside.’
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