Government Confirms Colchester's town deal funding of £18.3m

The Conservative Government has today confirmed that Colchester has been awarded the full £18.2m from the Town Deal fund to invest in projects that will directly benefit residents across the Borough.

Another £1m in Town Deal funding for ‘accelerated' schemes at Balkerne Gate and St Nicholas Square was awarded by the Government in September 2020.

The first instalment of £5.8m, for 2022/23, will be directed towards a range of projects developed by engaging residents to identify their priorities. Over 1000 people submitted their views last summer. These opinions were used by “We Are Colchester”,  comprising Essex County Council,  Colchester Borough Council, local businesses and voluntary organisations, to decide on priorities. The list includes:

  • Creation of digital working hubs

  • Transforming facilities for young people

  • A digital skills hub at the Wilson Marriage Centre

  • Public realm improvements in the town centre, including new public space fronting the housing development at the former Essex County Hospital

  • Restoration of Holy Trinity Church in Lion Walk

  • The first phase in restoring ‘Jumbo’

  • Improvement to community facilities in Greenstead

  • The accelerated introduction of 5G digital broadband infrastructure

  • Improved walking and cycling links

Conservative Group Leader at the Town Hall, Councillor Darius Laws, said:  “It is wonderful news that the Conservative Government has confirmed £18.2m of much-needed investment in Colchester, via the Towns Fund scheme. The Conservative Group will be closely monitoring the delivery of these projects to ensure the Community gets maximum value from the investment.

Cllr Lesley Wagland OBE, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, said: “The Government announcement of £18.2m to go into the town improvements for Colchester is excellent news, and Essex County Council is thrilled to partner with Colchester Borough Council on the implementation of these ambitious plans. “The fund will be vital in investing into Colchester’s vibrant heritage assets, promoting tourism into the economy. This fund has come at the perfect time, following the announcement of Colchester’s well-deserved awarding of City Status.”

Conservatives pledge to rejuvenate the town centre after years of neglect by the Liberal-Democrat and Labour Coalitions that have run the Borough Council in recent years

 

2022-08-09