Colchester’s city centre was transformed into a festival of colour, sound, and celebration on Saturday, 5 July, as hundreds gathered to mark the grand opening of the newly redeveloped St Nicholas Square – a £1.6 million investment that signals the beginning of a bold new chapter in the city’s regeneration journey.
Led by local businesses and powered by community spirit, the launch event was a showcase of what happens when public investment meets business creativity. From live music and artisan markets to family-friendly fun, the square was alive from morning to night.
The celebration drew leaders from Colchester City Council, Essex County Council, and We Are Colchester, alongside performers, business owners, and residents. It was a vivid demonstration of how revitalised spaces can spark economic growth and bring people together.
In a joint statement, the Leaders of Colchester City & Essex County Councils, Cllr David King & Cllr Kevin Bentley, said: “It was a joy to celebrate the rebirth of St Nicholas Square with the people who make Colchester thrive. Huge thanks to the businesses who turned this space into a celebration – humming with energy, laughter, and pride.
“St Nicholas Square is more than a facelift – it’s a symbol of momentum. Regeneration isn’t just a promise anymore. It’s happening. And it’s working.”
Simon Blaxill, Chair of We Are Colchester, reflected on the impact: “I’m absolutely thrilled to see St Nicholas Square already buzzing with life. The support from local businesses and residents has been phenomenal.
“I’ll be back soon to enjoy the new outdoor seating and raise a glass with friends - it’s exactly the kind of space Colchester deserves.”
From St Botolph’s Quarter to Trinity Square, and from the Jumbo Experience to immersive AR/VR history trails, Colchester is undergoing a transformation. With 15 regeneration projects in motion and millions more secured through 2030, this launch is just the beginning.
The success of the launch was driven by Colchester’s vibrant business community, including Three Wise Monkeys, Romano Lounge, The Dragonfly Lounge, and Roots and Groove. These businesses didn’t just participate – they organised the event, showing how revitalised public spaces can boost footfall, energise the local economy, and create unforgettable experiences.
While the launch was originally slated for late 2024, archaeological discoveries - expected in a city as historic as Colchester – alongside unforeseen utility complications, required careful handling and respectful delays. These discoveries not only enriched our understanding of the city’s past but also underscored the importance of building with care. The archaeological finds will be revealed by Colchester’s Archaeological Trust in the coming weeks.
A Team Colchester spokesperson, a partnership between Colchester City & Essex County Councils, added: “Moving forward, we’re focused on clearer communication around project timelines. Future completion dates will include all contingencies. We’ll aim to under-promise and over-deliver.”
Hana Loftus, co-director of HAT Projects, the architects for the project, said: “Our office lies just minutes away from the new square, and so it is truly special for us to redesign a space we will use every day. Through our community links, we worked closely with a local visually impaired user group, wheelchair users, and cycle campaigners to understand and balance their accessibility needs. We are thrilled to have facilitated the square’s transformation from an unloved left-over space to an open and welcoming square for markets, events and the spill-out of the cafes, restaurants.”
With funding from Levelling Up (£19.6m), Section 106 (£2.5m), and the Town Deal (£19.2m) – plus additional grants – Colchester is investing in cycling infrastructure, heritage restoration, economic growth, and more.
Saturday’s launch wasn’t just a celebration - it was a statement. Colchester is no longer just talking about regeneration. It’s delivering it. The next step is Colchester’s £6.25m Digital Forum, which will open in September.
Page last reviewed: 7 July 2025