The Coggeshall Mill development pays tribute to the area’s rich history, drawing its name from Coggeshall’s legacy as a prominent centre for cloth, silk, velvet, and lace production. In 1557, these industries provided employment for more than half the local population.   

Nestled between Coggeshall village centre and the A120 Marks Tey to Braintree Road, the development boasts excellent transport links into Braintree, Colchester, and Chelmsford. Marks Tey railway station is just 10 minutes away, and Stansted Airport is 30 minutes by car. 

MACL’s involvement with the project began in July 2022, when the team secured the initial package with Vistry Eastern. This included delivery of the main site consortium infrastructure as well as groundworks for Phases 1, 2 and 3.  

Following Vistry’s merger with Countryside, MACL tendered for and won Phase 1, delivering a further 30 units. 

Building on this early success, MACL have successfully won all remaining works on the development, which will result in the delivery of all 350 new homes, all associated infrastructure, more than 2km of carriageway with footpaths and cycleways, and a variety of public open spaces for the community to enjoy.   

Covering 42 acres, the development features large surface water basins, informal footpaths and tranquil open spaces. To ensure a peaceful environment for residents, a reinforced, mass-fill acoustic bund measuring 3m high and 250m long was constructed. 

The site respects its historical roots while addressing modern housing needs. At its heart runs a section of The Essex Way, an 81-mile pedestrian route stretching from Harwich to Epping, which weaves through some of Essex’s most charming towns, villages, and countryside. 

Site Manager on this scheme is Jason Lawrence, overseeing a team of 20 MACL employees. 

• Work began September 2023