More than 800,000 passenger journeys have been recorded at Beaulieu Park station during its first year of operation, significantly exceeding the original forecast of between 290,000 and 390,000 journeys.
GBR Anglia said the station, which opened in 2025, was the first new station on the Great Eastern Main Line in more than a century.
Station designed to support local growth
Beaulieu Park was built to improve transport links in the north of Chelmsford, reduce pressure on the city’s existing station and support the delivery of 10,000 homes at Chelmsford Garden Community.
The station has three platforms and a bi-directional central loop line, allowing stopping trains to call while faster services pass through. It also includes step-free access, eight ticket machines, more than 700 parking spaces, 500 free covered cycle spaces and additional secure cycle storage.
A new bus interchange and upgraded walking and cycling routes connect the station with nearby communities. Solar panels on the roof provide power for station services and utilities.
Rob Mullen, chief customer and commercial officer at GBR Anglia, said the passenger figures showed that the station had been “positively embraced” by the local community.
“We’re proud to be operating a thriving station, supporting the growth of the local area and making rail travel a handy option for travellers in a wide catchment area, in and around Chelmsford,” he said.
£175m funding package
The project was supported by £141m from the Government’s Housing and Infrastructure Fund following a bid led by Essex County Council. A further £34m came from local partners, including £12m from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership and £22m from Countryside, part of Vistry Group, and L&Q through a developer contribution agreement secured by Chelmsford City Council.
Essex County Council deputy leader Councillor Russell Quirk said the station demonstrated the importance of putting infrastructure in place alongside new housing.
“With more than 800,000 journeys in its first year, the station is already proving its value,” he said.
Since the station opened, GBR Anglia has brought c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under a unified leadership team. The organisation said the arrangement was intended to improve collaboration, support third-party investment and help projects and opportunities to be delivered more effectively.
Further work has also been completed to improve public safety and security at the site.