Colchester’s ambitious £6.25m Digital Forum is nearing completion, with the completion of the building’s structural framework, marking a major milestone in the delivery of one of the region’s most important regeneration and technology projects.
Set to open in Autumn, the Digital Forum will offer a state-of-the-art space for digital businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives in the heart of the city. The development at 43 Queen Street has already attracted strong interest from the tech sector, offering 10GBPS fibre, 5G infrastructure, private studios, co-working spaces, and dedicated rack space for data-heavy organisations.
With support from Colbea, the city’s leading business support agency, the building will act as a launchpad for second-stage tech firms and scale-ups seeking flexible, future-ready premises outside of London and Cambridge.
Simon Mead, Chief Executive of Colbea, is confident in the Forum’s potential in shaping the regional digital landscape: “The topping out of the Digital Forum marks a bold step forward for Colchester and for the UK’s growing network of tech-enabled cities. We’re incredibly proud to be part of a project that is not only transforming the city centre but redefining what’s possible outside traditional tech hotspots.
“The Forum offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, unbeatable connectivity, and a vibrant business environment – all right here in Colchester. With over 2,000 skilled digital professionals already living and working in the area, we’re excited to welcome ambitious companies ready to scale in a place where talent, innovation and quality of life come together.”
Delivered by main contractor Horizon Construction Group, the Forum is designed with bespoke architectural elements inspired by the historic Theatre Royal, once located on the same site.
Partners from Colchester City Council, We are Colchester, and Essex County Council, celebrated the completion of the building’s framework - known as topping out in the construction industry – ahead of the buildings grand opening later this year.
Reflecting on wider improvements to the city centre, Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “The Digital Forum, following on from the nearby regeneration of St Nicholas Square, is another transformation that will help bring business and vibrancy into the city. The building complements our plans for St Botolph’s Quarter and Circus, where we are improving the look and feel of our city centre as a place to live, work and visit, a hub for innovation, culture, and commerce.”
Simon Blaxill, Chair of We Are Colchester, added: “The transformation of Colchester’s city centre is truly something to behold. Alongside the Digital Forum, we’re looking forward to the exciting changes coming to Trinity Square, the restoration of Holy Trinity Church, and of course the highly anticipated Jumbo Project. These developments, together with the ongoing regeneration of St Nicholas Square and St Botolph’s, will create a vibrant, interconnected environment that will serve as a magnet for investment, talent, and visitors. The momentum is undeniable, and we’re all very excited to see Colchester’s evolution unfold this decade."
Pictured above: Julia Cameron (Director Inkpen Downie), Simon Mead (Chief Executive of Colbea), Paul Coleman (Senior Associate at Daniel Connal Partnership), Dave Richards (Structural Engineer at Conisbee), Steve Tilley (Horizon Construction Group Commercial Director)
Page last reviewed: 25 June 2025