New Food and Beverage Hub with Starbucks, Burger King, and EV Charging to Boost Local Economy

A full planning application has been submitted by Great Leighs Estates Limited, in co-operation with The Burney Group; a specialist roadside retail and commercial developer, for the redevelopment of the ‘Island Site’ at Great Leighs.

This proposal will bring new food, beverage and sustainable transport facilities to the area through the development of a Starbucks Café, a Burger King Restaurant and a third drive-thru restaurant [tenant to be confirmed]. Alongside these, the scheme will deliver 88 additional parking spaces with 14 fast charging electric vehicle (EV) bays – which is a significant step forwards for the site in delivering more sustainable transport options for visitors.

Located at the gateway to Chelmsford City Racecourse, the development is primarily designed to enhance the experience of tens of thousands of visitors to the racecourse for race meetings, live music events and corporate event days. Additionally, the new facilities will provide new services to residents and serve passing trade between Chelmsford and Braintree.

The key benefits of the development include:

Job Creation: with significant employment opportunities arising during construction and ongoing roles being created in hospitality and site management, the development is expected to create more than 60 new jobs for the local community.
Sustainability: the provision of EV charging bays and cycle facilities help promote greener and more sustainable transport choices when visiting Chelmsford City Racecourse.
Economic Growth: supporting the long-term success of Chelmsford City Racecourse and boosting the local economy.
Community Investment: substantial contributions through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to help fund essential local infrastructure.

In terms of design, the proposal has been carefully developed in collaboration with Dovetail Architects, with attention to accessibility, and integration with nearby planned residential development a priority. Pedestrian walkways, level access, and dedicated disabled parking ensure inclusivity for all visitors, whilst improved landscaping will soften the visual impact of the site and create an attractive environment.

A spokesperson for the project said:

“This proposal represents a significant investment into the food and beverage offering at Chelmsford City Racecourse. This development will not only support the racecourse’s future success, but it will also create new jobs and provide sustainable transport options to the site in the form of additional car parking and fast electric vehicle charging.”

The application was submitted on Friday, 22nd August 2025 and is now with Chelmsford City Council for consideration.