During the early parts of World War II the ground was shared by Southend United,[5] before it became a barrage balloon site in 1942.

[6] The club's first floodlit game was against Wisbech Town on 21 September 1960, with the official opening coming in a friendly against Norwich City on 3 October 1960.

[3] During the 1963–64 season, the club declared the capacity of New Writtle Street to be 25,000, after investing over £40,000 into the stadium during the previous four years.

On 23 September 1927, the London and Provincial Greyhound Racing Company bought land in Chelmsford to build a track, but stiff opposition resulted and the planned construction failed to materialise.

[9] One year later, director AH Bradbury-Pratt began regular racing on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings over 440 and 550 yards.