Living in Chelmsford

Located in the vibrant and well-connected city of Chelmsford, New Hall School offers an exceptional working environment with access to a wealth of leisure, cultural, and sporting opportunities. Whether you are looking for an active lifestyle, entertainment, or excellent transport links, Chelmsford has something to offer you.

A Thriving City with First-Class Amenities

Chelmsford is home to three stunning parks—Hylands Park, Admirals Park, and Central Park—providing ample green space for relaxation, walking, running, or family outings. The recently redeveloped Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre boasts a state-of-the-art ice rink, swimming pools, and a fully equipped gym. Additionally, there are several fitness centres across the city featuring spas, pools, and tennis courts to help you stay active.

Sports & Recreation

Sports enthusiasts will find a range of clubs, including local running and cycling groups in nearby Springfield. Golf lovers can enjoy the facilities at Channels Golf Club and Chelmsford Golf Club, while cricket and football fans can cheer on Essex Cricket Club and Chelmsford City Football Club. Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre provides further opportunities for fitness and competitive sports.

Entertainment & Culture

Chelmsford offers a diverse cultural scene with three theatres—The Civic, The Cramphorn, and The Old Court—hosting drama, comedy, music, and dance performances. For cinema lovers, the Odeon at the Meadows Shopping Centre and the Everyman Cinema in Bond Street screen the latest blockbusters and family-friendly films. Live music events can be enjoyed at various venues, including Chelmsford City Racecourse.

Shopping & Dining

With three major shopping destinations—Bond Street, High Chelmer, and the Meadows Shopping Centre—Chelmsford provides an excellent retail experience, featuring popular high-street brands, independent boutiques, and a historic market. Dining options are equally impressive, with a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes, from family-friendly chains to Michelin Guide-recommended eateries.

Transport & Connectivity

Chelmsford’s superb transport links make it an ideal location for commuting and travel. The city is just 35 minutes from London by train, and a new railway station at the foot of New Hall’s Avenue is set to open in 2025, enhancing connectivity even further. The Crossrail link at Shenfield provides access to London Heathrow, while Stansted Airport is just a 30-minute drive away, making international travel convenient.

A Fantastic Place to Live & Work

Chelmsford is a dynamic and welcoming city with a population of around 120,000. Recognised as the Sunday Times’ ‘Best Place to Live in the East’ in 2018 and listed among the top ten best places in the East of England in 2019, it offers an exceptional quality of life. The city’s rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and strong sense of community make it an attractive place to live and work.  The Beaulieu development in Chelmsford has been awarded the ‘Great Neighbourhood 2024’ award in the Academy of Urbanism Awards.  These prestigious awards recognise a small number of outstanding places across the UK and Europe every year.