Locations
huge scale. We’re helping tens of thousands of lives.
The right career choice
Essex is a unique and remarkable part of the country. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest city, Colchester, and two of our newest towns – Basildon and Harlow – are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice, and makes Essex the right place for your career.
Impressive growth
With a growth area in the south and Stansted to the west, Essex is home to nearly 100,000 businesses providing over 800,000 jobs. Each year, our county contributes around £50 billion to the national economy and our population is set to increase by nearly a fifth between 2008 and 2040, rising to 1.65 million.
Vital regeneration
Part rural, part conurbation, we have a quarter of the population of the East of England yet almost 75% of the land area is agricultural. The south-east of the county has the highest concentration of people – with 350,000 people living in an area of 40 square miles – and the Thames Gateway is Europe’s largest regeneration area.
Locations
At Essex County Council, we’re proud to serve the whole county and have offices throughout. Our home is by no means short of great places to work and live:
North Essex
From Thaxted and Takeley to Felsted and Finchingfield, the North of Essex is home to many picturesque heritage villages. Less than 50 miles from London, you’ll find excellent transport links, with fast services to Liverpool Street as well as Stansted airport on your doorstep.
Central Essex
Right in the heart of our county, Chelmsford is home to Essex County Council’s main office, County Hall, along with a whole host of restaurants, bars and shopping centres, not to mention two of the most reputable grammar schools. With only an hour’s drive to Essex’s seaside towns, and regular trains to London Liverpool Street (33 minutes), it’s fair to say that you’ll certainly be well connected from this central location that’s surrounded by countryside.
West Essex
Combining tranquil countryside living with exceptional connectivity, West Essex is an attractive location for professionals and families alike. Bordering London and framed by the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest, the area offers leafy walks, vibrant village communities and plenty of traditional pubs. Its transport links are a major advantage, with rapid routes into the capital and three airports within an hour, giving residents the freedom to enjoy both peaceful rural surroundings and easy access to wider travel.
East Essex
The East of Essex is home to towns and villages with fascinating history. From Tillingham to Tollesbury, you’ll never be short of traditional pubs to choose from. Walking along the river Blackwater is also a great way to see part of Essex’s hidden coast. You’ll find activities to suit the whole family, from Colchester Zoo to Mersea Island, which is perfect for seafood fans – whether you’re dining at an oyster bar or crabbing down by the jetty.
South Essex
With superfast Crossrail links to London, South Essex is the perfect place to work and play. Basildon is home to some conveniently located bars and restaurants, whilst Hadleigh Castle and Lake Meadows are famous examples of the great parks and landmarks that these towns have to offer.
Our Quadrants
Our county is split into four quadrants, shown below – this is done to ensure certain services, such as our social care departments, can operate as efficiently as possible in key areas.
