Plans unveiled for £7m city regeneration project

Updated plans for a £7m regeneration project in a city have been unveiled after they was shaped by more than 800 residents, businesses and community groups.

The project to transform Colchester's southern quarter has been funded by a one-off government grant.

It will be located alongside the £12m St Botolph's Circus redevelopment and the scheme is part of a wider transformation of the city centre.

David King, the Liberal Democrat councillor and leader of Colchester City Council, said: "There was a real sense of excitement around the plans to enhance the grounds of St Botolph's Priory, with many suggesting that the scheme will help it to become a 'must-see' destination."

Within the public consultation, people wanted to see the area modernised and revitalised, better access to St Botolph's Priory, improved connections to Colchester Town station and a new public space that celebrates the city's heritage.

Feedback during the consultation included the loss of parking spaces, accessibility from the train station and preserving the special character of St Botolph's Priory ruins.

Plans have since been revisited and adjusted to include more lighting on bollards and LED lighting to increase safety and CCTV.

Colchester City and Essex County Councils have worked with groups representing people with sensory impairments and physical disabilities to ensure the scheme is inclusive and accessible including shaping key aspects of the layout and navigations.

Historic England and English Heritage have also been involved in the project to ensure it not only safeguards the historically significant Priory but enhances its setting and visibility.

Mr King said: "We're proud to be working with our community to shape a city centre that reflects our shared values - heritage, accessibility and ambition.

"This project, together with our great castle and wider heritage, the upcoming Jumbo Experience, and the ambitious £5m vision for the Natural History Museum, will help position Colchester as a flagship city for anyone with an interest in British history."

To coincide with St Botolph's Day, the new space will be named St Botolph's Square in honour of the Priory and the patron saint of boundaries, travel and trade.

Final designs will be made public ahead of the planning submission in July.

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