Colchester Borough Council is keen to hear from community-focused organisations, businesses and groups with the vision and ambition to manage the authority’s newest community facility, Stanway Lakelands Centre.
The council is inviting public or private enterprises with a vision to grow and prosper in the community or healthcare sectors, to view the new facilities and submit expressions of interest to run the centre from early 2023.
The centre is well-located a short distance from the A12 Junction 26 to the west of the Stanway Western Bypass. The spacious and light-filled building, constructed in steel and brick with Siberian Larch cladding and an aluminium, zinc coated roof, was funded through Section 106 funds and is due for completion in the coming weeks.
Situated beside new homes and an extensive area of green space earmarked for a new country park, the stunning property is seen as especially suitable for uses such as community activities and conferences; childcare and nursery provision; skills training and education; religious, charitable or social functions; cultural, sports or leisure activities, and medical and health care.
Cllr Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, said: “We are keen to hear from community or social enterprise organisations, charities or management groups who have the vision to manage this wonderful new facility in ways that will bring community or health benefits to the borough. This is an exciting opportunity for the right tenant to benefit from a modern, flexible, accessible and secure property within which to grow and prosper.”
The fully-accessible 504sqm building can accommodate over 200 people and occupies two floors served by a lift. It features a vast main hall with a sprung floor, a second, spacious function room, meeting and interview rooms alongside a large, fully functional kitchen, toilets and Changing Places facility. Hearing loops will be installed and gigabit connectivity is available.
Outside, there is ample parking provision, with 23 car parking spaces and three disability spaces alongside an overflow car park for events, a bike shed and charging point for electric bikes and a dedicated delivery road. The site will feature an all-exclusive play space, petanques rink and terrace with views over the planned country park. Additional features include a 3 phase 100amp electricity supply, solar panels, gas and water supplies and CCTV cameras.
Viewing Day
Interested parties are invited to view Stanway Lakelands Centre on Wednesday 23rd November 2022 and Monday, 12 December, between 10am and 2pm. Viewing is designed to give interested organisations, their partners and their professional teams who may wish to submit an Expression of Interest, an opportunity to tour the site and ask questions of Colchester Borough Council’s Estates Team, managed by Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd (CATL).
The deadline for Expressions of Interest is Monday, 9 January 2023.
For more information visit: https://www.colchester.gov.uk/stanway-lakelands-eoi
Page last reviewed: 15 November 2022