The first image has been released showing the striking new look of Colchester’s St Botolph’s Quarter.

Plans for the £7 million public realm project are due to be submitted in the next few days by Team Colchester, a partnership between Colchester City Council and Essex County Council.

The vision for the area, centred around a St Botolph’s Square, is to celebrate the city’s  heritage and promote future growth. If approved, construction is set to begin in Spring 2026.The plans propose improved access to the St Botolph’s Priory, which is being reimagined as a centrepiece of Colchester’s heritage. The designs also feature:

  • A bespoke play area inspired by the Priory’s architecture
  • Enhanced lighting and safety features
  • Seamless connections to Colchester Town Rail Station

Months of extensive consultation has taken place to shape the design including input from Historic England and English Heritage.

Cllr David King, leader of Colchester City Council, said: “St Botolph’s Quarter is a cornerstone of our vision for a vibrant, inclusive city centre. The Priory is a treasure that, in other cities, might sit behind a ticket booth.

“Here in Colchester, it’s freely accessible – but it has long deserved to be celebrated as the heart of Colchester’s heritage and tourism offer. Guided by residents’ input, we’re creating a space that honours our past while supporting the city’s future vitality.”

Cllr Kevin Bentley, leader of Essex County Council, said: “Colchester is undergoing one of the most ambitious transformations in its history. With major public and private investment flowing into the city, we’re not just improving infrastructure – we’re redefining what it means to live, work, and visit here.

“By 2030, the city centre will be almost unrecognisable, with new public spaces, cultural destinations, and business opportunities that reflect Colchester’s bold future. The project is supported by funding from the Levelling Up Fund and the Town Deal and is one of a number of improvements to the city centre.”

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