Have your say on Colchester’s future prosperity

Date issued: 3 August 2020

The public is being invited to take part in a survey to help create a long-term vision for unlocking more jobs and prosperity for Colchester.

The team behind the questionnaire, We Are Colchester, a dynamic partnership involving public, private and voluntary organisations that formed in January, would like to hear your views on building a vibrant local economy and making the most of the historic, cultural and other assets the borough has to offer.

Colchester is one of 100 areas across the country chosen to bid for up to £25 million from the Government’s Town Deal fund. If successful, the money would also be used to help lever in additional funding from other sources and turn We Are Colchester’s agreed vision into reality.

Due to Covid-19, work to develop the investment plan was delayed, but We Are Colchester is pleased to announce work has restarted and they now want to hear the views of as many local people as possible.

To take part, please complete the online survey by Monday 17^th August.

Researchers will also be out and about in Colchester, during August, engaging with the public and helping them complete the survey face-to-face while observing strict social distancing rules.

Simon Blaxill, Chair of We Are Colchester, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for people to influence a clear long-term vision for the town that will see it adapt and evolve as the region’s economic centre. We look forward to hearing your suggestions for ways to help us shape these ambitious plans for the future.” 

Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Council and board Vice-Chair, added: “We want residents to take part and help shape the vision for own town. This is your chance to have your say. We want to listen to bright ideas that will help us take the town forward, making the best use of the funding, to make our town shine. We are committed to maximising Colchester’s economic and cultural potential and doing so – with your involvement – in forward-thinking ways that can benefit our businesses and residents and help the borough recover from the social and economic shocks of coronavirus.

“I would urge as many people as possible to take part in this survey, share their views and help develop a plan for the future of Colchester. We will use residents’ views together with key players in the town – such as small and bigger employers, the University, the voluntary sector, health and cultural organisations, and more – to make the most of this great opportunity. Please take your chance to be a part of it.”

Among the key themes the We Are Colchester board will consider are how to better connect Colchester’s digital and transport infrastructure, how to grow the borough’s economy in an inclusive way, tackling continuing deprivation in parts of the borough, and how to make Colchester an even better place to live.

To ensure the plan is as robust, sustainable and innovative as possible experts will also be called in to advise the board.

More information on the Town Fund can be found here.