A major £7 million regeneration plan for the future of Colchester’s historic southern quarter has taken a significant step forward, as updated plans for St Botolph’s Quarter are unveiled – shaped by the voices of more than 800 local residents, businesses, and community groups.
Funded by a one-off government grant, this investment represents a unique opportunity to transform a key part of the city centre – bringing long-term benefits to residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Over the winter, Colchester City and Essex County Councils invited the public to help shape the future of this key part of the city centre. There was strong support to improve and modernise the area: people want to see the area revitalised – with better access to St Botolph’s Priory, improved connections to Colchester Town Station, and a welcoming new public space that celebrates the city’s rich heritage.
There was also support for a play area close to the priory to encourage families to visit the ancient monument.
During the consultation, conversation points included the proposed loss of parking spaces, the need for a high-quality public square, accessibility from the train station, and the importance of preserving the special character of the Priory ruins. Having listened to these views, the councils have revisited the plans to make major adjustments, integrating the play area into the north end of the public square to allow it to be located outside the formal Priory gardens, retaining more open green space around the monument for visitors to enjoy. The new play area will feature bespoke equipment inspired by the Priory’s architecture and natural play elements, creating a playful, engaging transition from the public square into the green setting of the historic ruins.
Paths and planted areas within Priory Gardens around St Botolph’s Church are re-aligned to trace the potential original layout of the Priory, as well as catering for desire lines.
Other revisions include plans to retain Blue Badge parking and the retention of the access road, which is a vital resource for local organisations and businesses as a delivery point. Additional improvements include low-level bollard lighting along pathways in the Priory Garden to enhance safety without detracting from the site’s beauty, and additional LED lighting into plants in the public square. The area already has state-of-the-art CCTV.
Both councils have worked closely with groups representing people with sensory impairments and physical disabilities to ensure the scheme is inclusive and accessible to all. Their input has shaped key aspects of the layout and navigation. In parallel, collaboration with Historic England and English Heritage has ensured that the scheme not only safeguards the historically significant Priory, but actively enhances its setting and visibility.
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “We’re proud to be working with our community to shape a city centre that reflects our shared values – heritage, accessibility, and ambition. It’s been great to hear people’s passion and concerns and to take these into account. St Botolph’s will be a place for everyone, and we’re grateful to the hundreds who took the time to share their views.
“There was a real sense of excitement around the plans to enhance the grounds of St Botolph’s Priory, with many suggesting that the scheme will help it to become a ‘must-see’ destination. This project, together with our great castle and wider heritage, the upcoming Jumbo Experience, and the ambitious £5 million vision for the Natural History Museum, will help position Colchester as a flagship city for anyone with an interest in British history.”
Timed to coincide with St Botolph’s Day, the city is proud to announce that the public has voted to name the new public space St Botolph’s Square, in honour of the nearby St Botolph’s Priory and the patron saint of boundaries, travel, and trade – a fitting tribute to Colchester’s heritage and future ambitions.
Cllr Lee Scott, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Planning and Regeneration at Essex County Council, said: “Naming this new space St Botolph’s Square is a powerful tribute to Colchester’s rich heritage and a symbol of our city’s forward momentum. St Botolph stands for travel, trade, and transformation – values that resonate deeply with our ambitions for this quarter of the city. This name, chosen by the people of Colchester, reflects our shared pride in the past and our confidence in the future.”
Located directly alongside the £12 million St Botolph’s Circus redevelopment, the Quarter scheme is part of a wider transformation of Colchester’s city centre. Together, these projects will improve travel, support local businesses, and create a more vibrant, accessible, and welcoming city.
Updated visuals reflecting further changes to St Botolph’s Quarter will be shared in the coming months, and final designs will be made publicly available ahead of the planning submission in July 2025.
Page last reviewed: 16 June 2025