PRESS RELEASE : Colchester boosted with £19.6 million (Levelling Up Fund 2) [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 23 October 2023.
Almost £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund will support a variety of improvements in Colchester City Centre.
St Botolph’s Circus scheme
Residents of Colchester will benefit from a spectacular redevelopment that will transform St Botolph’s Circus. As a vital gateway into Colchester’s rich historic city centre, the project promises to revolutionise connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to seamlessly coexist. By reclaiming road space, the project will create clean air public spaces where residents and visitors can relax and enjoy new flourishing businesses and pop-up retail experiences.
The improvements will:
- promote walking and cycling journeys
- improve safety and reduce crime in the area
- reclaim road space at the roundabout
- create potential for pop-up retail opportunities
- improve air quality
Other improvements in St Botolph’s include:
- a vibrant new plaza and green spaces
- new step free access to Colchester Station
- a new heritage walking route from St Botolph’s Priory to Colchester Castle and Castle Park to encourage visitors to delve into the city’s rich history and awe-inspiring past
- improved pedestrian and cycle crossings
- a dedicated new bike hub at Britannia Yard / Vineyard Street
- better links to the Britannia car park redevelopment
Regeneration of the area will benefit pedestrians, cyclists and car users. It will improve a key gateway to the city.
Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said:
The improvements to St Botolph’s Circus will bring immense benefits to both current and future residents.
With a focus on managing traffic flow, promoting walking and cycling, enhancing air quality, and creating new green spaces, this project will truly open up our city and cater to the ever-evolving needs of our vibrant communities and businesses.
We are thrilled to be working hand in hand with our residents, businesses, and partners – especially Essex County Council – who have played an instrumental role in shaping our plans. Yet closer to the finish line of a great project.”
Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, added:
As Team Colchester, our two councils have united to craft a sustainable and forward-thinking vision for St Botolph’s. It brings me immense joy to witness the remarkable collaboration that has gone into this extraordinary project. With Colchester’s rich history as Britain’s first Roman capital 2,000 years ago, we are proud to be a part of shaping its future, ensuring that our generation leaves an indelible mark on this historic quarter.
A bright future for Colchester
Funding will also be used to complete the Kerbless Street route on Short Wyre Street, create commercial units for creative and digital industries and the Shopfront Improvement Grants scheme.
These projects will complement other funding in the area provided as part of the Colchester Town Deal and Colchester City Status
Find out more about the regeneration of Colchester
