An SOS to raise £350,000 to ‘save’ part of an iconic Marconi building for the nation is being sent out by the newly formed Old Moulsham and Central Community Trust.

The Trust has set up a heritage task force Marconi Science WorX to negotiate with the local developer who has bought the very first Marconi Wireless and Telegraphy Works in Hall Street with planning permission for six apartments and commercial space.

Not only is Hall Street the first Marconi works in the UK, but, if the task force is successful, it will be the only former Marconi building in the country dedicated to the great man and encouraging young boffins of the future.

Although much of the former New Street Marconi HQ has been saved from the bulldozer by developers, it is now entirely apartments and commercial premises.

Marconi Science WorX aims to obtain the former wireless factory’s ground floor for community use.

They aim to dedicate the very building which made the equipment that saved more than 700 Titanic survivors - and to look to the future to encourage young scientific inventors and entrepreneurs to be inspired by Marconi’s legacy..

Ros Webb, who also chair of the Friends of Chelmsford Museum, said: “ Its first aim is to purchase or rent, and refurbish the ground floor to provide a dynamic, multifunctional space where the history of Marconi’s pioneering work can be displayed together with an area where our young people can experiment, in a safe environment, with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math at regular STEM Clubs to encourage a new generation to pursue science careers and help bridge the skills gap.”

They also want to provide much needed community space in Moulsham that local groups can hire for a range of activities that could include arts and crafts, talks and exhibitions (especially Marconi) as well as a community café with modern toilet facilities.

Chris Neale, chair of the Marconi Heritage Group: “This is the very last opportunity for Chelmsford and its residents to save a piece of Marconi history in the City that welcomes people to Chelmsford – Birthplace of Radio.

“If you want to support our mission please Google www.marconichelmsford.uk and click on the support and encourage your friends and family to do the same.”