The City Centre Masterplan for Colchester City Centre has launched.
It aims to transform the city centre while conserving its proud heritage.
This together with major regeneration already underway, sets out the vision and ambition for Colchester.
The Masterplan’s vision looks to:
- open up and enhance the heritage of St Botolph’s Priory
- increase co-working and business space, bringing people into the city
- bring Jumbo back to life
- celebrate more of our heritage story and light more parts of our Roman Walls
- create a more vibrant sustainable and liveable city centre
- improve accessibility with a Transport Hub connecting car, train, bus and cycle routes
- design more green public spaces to sit, eat, spend time, and catch up
- help the city feel safe, day and night
- open up the city centre connection routes, including to the Roman Circus
We have produced the plan alongside Colchester City Council.
Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “The Masterplan for Colchester will benefit existing and future residents. It looks at ways of reimagining the city’s heart and key connections to local communities, where streets and open spaces are designed to meet the changing needs of a diverse range of users – as well as supporting existing businesses and encouraging growth.
“It will be delivered by working together with Essex County Council and will see huge investment, exciting changes and add extra value to the green spaces, services and houses in our city.
"We’re excited to move forward to this next consultation phase, and I encourage all Colchester residents and businesses to have their say. Your views will help shape the final Masterplan. With more opportunities later as we turn vision into projects and changes for better that will improve the experience of living, working and visiting our great city.”
Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “Our two councils are working together as one team, developing a long-term vision for your city. We want to create a better quality of life for Colchester’s residents and businesses.
“This Masterplan has been designed after hearing views of many people across the city. Now we need your help to get us to the finish line.
"To the people that live here, work here and run their businesses, please take the chance to add to Colchester’s rich history by thinking of the future. What kind of city do you want Colchester to be in 100 years’ time? Now is your chance to tell us.”
The plan follows an initial public consultation that 2,000 residents and users of the city centre responded to.
People can now share their views on the plan.
You can also comment on the redevelopment of St Botolph’s Circus, a key gateway into the city centre.
Take part online or in person at the locations below:
- 28 June at 12pm to 4pm, Culver Square Shopping Centre, Colchester
- 7 July at 2pm to 8pm, St Botolph’s Church, Colchester
Representatives from Colchester City Council and Essex County Council will be present. They will discuss the plans and answer any questions.
Read the plan and find out more information.