We are Colchester have confirmed an ambitious set of projects to be delivered as part of the Town Deal Fund to the Government.
Colchester was awarded £18.2 million from the Government’s Town Deal fund to invest in projects, which will directly benefit residents across the borough.
The projects were developed by engaging residents to identify their priorities. Over 1000 people submitted their views last summer and these were used to refine several projects located across the town.
The full list of We Are Colchester projects submitted to the government on 14 June 2021 are:
- Creation of digital working hubs
- Transforming facilities for young people
- A digital skills hub at the Wilson Marriage Centre (Magdalene Street)
- Public realm improvements in the town centre
- Restoration of Holy Trinity Church (Lion Walk) and the first phase in restoring ‘Jumbo’
- Transformation of community facilities in Greenstead
- The accelerated introduction of 5G
- Improved walking and cycling links between the Town Centre, Greenstead and the University.
We Are Colchester was formed in January 2020. It is a dynamic partnership involving public, private and voluntary organisations, including Colchester Borough Council, Essex County Council and Colchester’s MP Will Quince.
Councillor Paul Dundas, Leader of Colchester Borough Council said: “I am pleased that the We Are Colchester partnership continues to drive this work forward. I believe an excellent set of projects have been submitted, which focus on key priorities identified by Colchester residents and local businesses.
“This multi-million pound investment in the Borough is crucial in terms of economic recovery. It provides a huge confidence boost for local businesses, helping to both create and sustain local jobs.”
Simon Blaxill, Chair of the ‘We are Colchester’ Board and Local Businessman added: “I am pleased that we are moving to the next stage with these great projects. I look forward to continuing to engage local people and businesses with the projects as they develop.”
Councillor Lesley Wagland, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, said: “The Town Deal represents a fantastic investment into Colchester town and one which will benefit residents now and in the future. It is direct result of effective partnership working between Colchester Borough Council, Essex County Council and key local partners.”
Colchester has already received an additional ‘accelerated’ £1m Town Deal funding which has enabled two key public realm schemes at St Nicholas Square and Balkerne Gate to proceed; these are now entering their final design and construction stages.
We Are Colchester now have until April next year to submit detail business cases for each project to the Government. After that, funds will be released, and projects will be completed by 2026
Page last reviewed: 1 July 2021