THESE are the first homes planned for the Marconi headquarters.

More than 400 homes, a mix of one-to-four bed, are being built on the historic site, with the completion date set for 2017.

The iconic water tower and power house are being retained and converted.

More than 170 people attended the launch last Thursday to view the properties, which will be known as ME – Marconi Evolution.

When the scheme is complete, residents will be able to walk from the railway station to New Street, passing through a series of public spaces, with a green square in its centre.

Richard Burrows, managing director of Bellway Homes Essex said: “The opening weekend at ME has been immensely successful, with 24 homes reserved this weekend alone.

“This development is highly prestigious and Bellway is really proud of the work that is going in to help rejuvenate such a historical landmark in Chelmsford.”

The Marconi building was a telecommunications factory where Guglielmo Marconi pioneered long-distance radio transmission, and the home of the first-ever commercial entertainment broadcast.

It opened in 1912 and closed in 2006.