Chelmsford Borough Council has approved long-held plans by developer Aquila to build a retail-led scheme on a 4.5-acre High Street site.
The Paul Johnson Architects-designed development comprises 175,000 sq ft of shops, including a 50,000 sq ft anchor store, and 165 apartments.
Aquila said it had worked to bring the scheme to fruition for over 10 years, during which it bought 22 separate parcels of land between the High Street and the River Chelmer.
An earlier phase of the development fronting the river was completed in 2007, and comprises two restaurants let to Loch Fyne and Prezzo, six shop and office units and 72 apartments.
Aquila chairman Tony Chambers said: “We know that there is demand for more retail space in the town centre and this scheme will allow a significant part of this demand to be satisfied and reduce the leakage of retail spending to other towns and retail centres.
“We are looking forward to discussing opportunities with retailers to ensure the development is a commercial success for all.”
