Unveiling St Botolph’s Quarter: Celebrating Colchester’s heritage

Journey with us through St Botolph’s Quarter

A bold initiative that aims to unveil Colchester's treasured heritage to both residents and visitors, offering a gateway to our historical significance and enriching tourism experiences. With a £7 million government grant, the construction is poised to commence in Summer 2025.

The new St Botolph’s Quarter

We have a unique opportunity to breathe new life into the St Botolph’s Quarter area. Our visionary plan will transform Britannia car park into a remarkable public space which can be used for vibrant events, markets, and leisurely gatherings. A pathway from the train station will lead directly to a heritage trail, guiding visitors through St Botolph’s Priory towards Firstsite and Colchester Castle. This thoroughfare will not only unveil the heart of the city centre but also create a captivating first impression for train arrivals to Colchester. Furthermore, a portion of the development will be dedicated to crafting high-quality affordable housing units.

Making more of St Botolph’s Priory

Steeped in history dating back to the 1100s, St Botolph’s Priory stands as a testament to England's impressive Norman architecture, with Civil War narratives etched in its very walls. Despite its historic charm, the Priory remains largely inaccessible to many visitors, missing the chance to be a focal point for Colchester's tourism.

The St Botolph’s Quarter initiative is poised to revamp St Botolph’s Priory entirely, ensuring it can be enjoyed and accessed for all. We will be improving footways, installing wayfinding signage and adding lighting to ensure that St Botolph’s Priory can be admired day and night.

Evolving city centre travel options

In paving the way for St Botolph’s Quarter, the relocation of Britannia car park poses a shift in the city centre's landscape. We understand the importance of providing varied commuting solutions for city visitors, whether it be through cycling, public transport, or by driving. As a part of this transformative project, enhancements to city centre multi-storey car parks are underway to ensure that there's more than enough parking for residents and visitors. From widening parking bays to optimising parking availability, our aim is to guarantee an abundance of convenient parking options.

Discover more about our progressive city centre parking plan based on 2019-2024 modelling, using actual car park data.