Turnstone leisure development plans given planning permission

Date issued: 11 December 2020

A 12-screen cinema, up to seven restaurants and a 90-bed hotel are just some of the exciting attractions set for Colchester Borough Council’s Northern Gateway, after being approved by planning committee last night (Thursday).

Turnstone Estate’s new leisure development, which will be sited south of junction 28 of the A12, is also set to include two drive-thru restaurants, a bowling alley, indoor golf centre, and climbing centre as well as a high-quality landscaped piazza and parking for 750 cars – including electric car rapid charging points.

Chris Goldsmith, Managing Director of Turnstone Estates, said: “Despite the current uncertainty around the leisure sector, we have been buoyed by the continued level of occupational demand for Northern Gateway. Our revised plans will help to deliver an exciting, state-of-the-art leisure development for Colchester in a post-Covid environment.”

Councillor David King, Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources said: “This is a real positive milestone for the new leisure development. Progress to transform the Northern Gateway into a hub for improved wellbeing, physical activity, jobs, housing and renewable energy will is a key part of our commitment to boosting our economy and helping our borough recover following the impact of Covid-19.”

The Turnstone scheme forms part of a wider development including the Colchester Northern Gateway Sports Park and up to 350 new homes, healthcare provision with older persons accommodation, and commercial floorspace.
 
The whole development will benefit from a carbon-reduction District Heat Network, using natural energy to provide heating and hot water for the whole area, and an integral digital network providing ultra-fast broadband to local homes and businesses.

Find out more about the Council’s plans for the Northern Gateway here: www.northerngatewaycolchester.co.uk