Date issued: 14 January 2021
The opening of the new Colchester Northern Gateway Sports Park has been rescheduled to 26 April 2021 should government guidelines allow, amidst Covid-19 uncertainty.
This will help ensure that the Northern Gateway Sports Park, which was on track to open by Easter 2021, can open safely to residents and visitors to shape healthy, active lifestyles for themselves and their families.
Cllr Theresa Higgins, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: “The Northern Gateway Sports Park is an incredible facility and we cannot wait to welcome each one of you, but we don’t want the opening of Colchester’s newest attraction over-shadowed by the risk of Covid-19.
“Last year we announced that the Sports Park was on track to open Easter 2021, but with the new national lockdown and coronavirus variant there is too much uncertainty for an Easter launch.
“Though all council facilities are Covid-secure, we have taken the decision to reschedule the opening to 26 April 2021, should government guidelines allow, with the hope that spring will be a better time for us all.”
The new facility, which is located at Colchester Northern Gateway off junction 28 of the A12, is unique in Essex in featuring a 1-mile floodlit cycle track. The facility will have a range of adult and children road bikes, BMX and adaptive bikes for hire, which will enable cycling for all. The track will provide leisurely cyclists a safe space to ride their bikes whilst providing serious cyclists with a facility to challenge themselves and to improve.
The 76-acre sport and leisure facility also feature a learn to ride facility and cycle pump track for children, alongside 3G pitches, grass rugby pitches, a multi-use sports centre, indoor cricket, badminton, and futsal. Residents and visitors will also be able to enjoy a fitness suite, exercise and dance studios, an interactive velo studio and meeting rooms. After their workout visitors can meet with a friend and refuel with a craft coffee and treats at Paddy & Scott’s.
A stunning new state-of-the-art clubhouse has also been built overlooking the 3G and grass pitches which will become the new home of Colchester Rugby Football Club, whilst an archery range and clubhouse has been constructed to the south of the site which will become home to the Colchester and District Archery Club.
Colchester’s Northern Gateway Sports Park is set within acres of green open spaces where to date over 500 trees and almost 120,000 hedgerow plants, shrubs, perennials and grasses have been plated for people’s future enjoyment, with further extensive planting planned.
The £28.8 million development is part of a wider sport and leisure development, all being project managed by Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd. It has been supported by funding from groups including British Cycling, Sport England, and from England and Wales Cricket Club.
Anyone interested in finding out more about hiring the new sport facilities, which will be managed by the council, can complete an expression of interest form by visiting colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/northerngatewaysportspark.
Page last reviewed: 13 January 2021