Visionary plans to be unveiled for Colchester’s historic town centre

PUBLISHED: 24 March 2022

Date issued: 24 March 2022

Businesses, residents, and visitors will have the opportunity to input into an exciting new vision and masterplan for Colchester’s historic town centre.

The masterplan for Colchester town centre will identify key areas of growth and will provide a new framework for development, defining opportunities for change and prosperity. 

Colchester Borough Council, in partnership with Essex County Council, will be actively engaging with those who live, work, do business and visit the town centre, to create an overarching plan, which capitalises on the unique character and heritage of the area and identifies opportunities for future growth.

As part of the planning stage, authorities will consider the evolving new ways of working, shopping habits and leisure time. This will include active travel habits, public transport, and access to the town centre from wider Colchester.

Councillor Paul Dundas, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, commented: “We are very proud of how much Colchester’s historic town centre already has to offer. This masterplan will establish a shared understanding of the most important strengths of the area, along with the opportunities.

“We will be working to engage with all town centre users, and potential users, to take an inclusive approach to shape how the town centre develops. With everyone pulling in the same direction, we will discourage piecemeal activity and create a shared vision for a prosperous future.”

The Borough and County Council are seeking to appoint consultants to help assist with the scheme, with the aim to deliver a comprehensive plan by the end 2022.

Councillor Lesley Wagland, Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning at Essex County Council, commented: “Essex County Council are delighted to be partnering with Colchester Borough Council in delivering the masterplan to the historic town centre. As our lives change, so too must our high streets, and I have no doubt that this ambitious project will bring further prosperity to Colchester residents and businesses.”

The masterplan will recognise the Government’s Levelling Up agenda and its priority to secure sustainable growth for our businesses and communities.

In recent years, Colchester town centre has seen over £55m of investment, this includes a new Fenwick store, new Primark store, ultrafast gigabit broadband an upgrade of the Priory Street car park and new public space around The Mercury Theatre.
To find out more about the Colchester Masterplan and how you can input, please visit: www.colchester.gov.uk/masterplan
 

Page last reviewed: 24 March 2022

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