Following community feedback and discussions among Cabinet members, Colchester City Council has announced a decision to pause the proposed closure of the cafe at Leisure World.
This comes after the initial announcement on 17 January, which included plans to review several council facilities as part of the “Fit for the Future” strategy aimed at long-term financial sustainability.
The Cabinet met on 24 January and acknowledged the importance of the cafe to the Leisure World community, recognising its value as a social hub and gathering place. While the financial pressures remain and the need for cost reductions persists, the council is committed to exploring alternative possibilities for the cafe’s future before making any final decisions.
“We hear the concerns of residents about the Leisure World cafe,” said Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council. “It was good to know so many of them really value the cafe as a meeting place.
“Our decision to delay closure gives us time to look again at how we could run the cafe in a profitable way, perhaps with a different supplier. This could involve exploring community partnerships, innovative business models, or cost-saving measures. In the meantime, the cafe will remain open.
“We are committed to transparency throughout this process. We will keep you informed as we look for a sustainable future for the cafe. My thanks again to those residents who got in touch.”
Page last reviewed: 30 January 2024