£160 million train station to open in Chelmsford, Essex

Chelmsford, a city in Essex, is set to have a new train station. This £160 million station will be the first addition to the Great Eastern Main Line in over 100 years. The project is part of a larger plan to develop the Beaulieu Park estate, which will also include 14,000 new homes and improved roads. The new station will provide direct connections to London Liverpool Street, taking about 40 minutes. Currently, Chelmsford has only one station in the city center. The Beaulieu Park station will have three platforms and a central loop line, allowing for regular and fast train services. There will be facilities for both buses and taxis, as well as a car park with space for 700 vehicles, including spots for people with disabilities. The station is designed to be accessible, with step-free access and bike storage for 500 bicycles. The new station aims to reduce congestion at the existing Chelmsford station, which handles over 15,000 passengers each day. It is planned to open by the end of 2025, with construction beginning in 2023 after years of planning. Additionally, a new train operator called Gemini plans to launch services between the UK and Europe, offering competitive fares. This new service could challenge Eurostar, which currently operates routes between the UK and various European cities. Gemini aims to introduce modern trains and innovative ticketing options.