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Date issued: 30 October 2024
As part of a considerate approach to minimise disruption for local businesses during the holiday season, construction work on the £1.6 million renovation of St Nicholas Square will be paused until the new year.
Work on this pivotal public space in the heart of Colchester began in February 2024, breathing life into the area with opportunities for outdoor events, leisure activities, and to support local businesses. While the initial completion date was set for autumn 2024, the discovery of human remains during the project called for a respectful pause and slowing down for proper documentation and reburial. Additionally, unforeseen utilities presented challenges that required careful navigation.
In light of these developments the Council and We Are Colchester now anticipates that the project will be completed by March 2025. The work is scheduled to pause on Friday, November 8, allowing businesses to enjoy the festive season. At which point much of the square work and scheme will be completed.
The final works will commence on St Nicholas Street in January.
Remarking on the decision to pause, Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: " It’s disappointing that St Nicholas Square will not be ready by this Christmas, but our priority is to ensure that the project is completed to the highest standard, be respectful of what we might find, and to support and minimise impact on local businesses. This pause allows us to achieve that while minimising disruption during this festive time. The remaining tasks to be carried out in the new year are far less disruptive.
“Both St Nicholas Square and the Digital Forum, currently under construction, are set to open next year. This year marks the beginning of transformative regeneration in our city centre, and next year, residents, businesses, and visitors will start to enjoy the remarkable changes which are happening.”
St Nicholas Square’s redevelopment is part of an ambitious effort involving 15 regeneration projects slated for completion by 2030. This initiative led by Team Colchester – a partnership between Colchester and Essex Councils – aims to revitalise public spaces, bolster infrastructure, preserve heritage, and stimulate economic growth within Colchester city centre.
Funding for these projects has been secured through various channels, including Section 106 funding and grants from the UK Government. With these efforts, Colchester’s landscape is set for a remarkable transformation that will benefit both residents and commercial entities alike by 2030.
For an overview of all 15 regeneration projects, please visit Colchester City Council’s interactive map at www.colchester.gov.uk/citycentre.
As part of a considerate approach to minimise disruption for local businesses during the holiday season, construction work on the £1.6 million renovation of St Nicholas Square will be paused until the new year.
Work on this pivotal public space in the heart of Colchester began in February 2024, breathing life into the area with opportunities for outdoor events, leisure activities, and to support local businesses. While the initial completion date was set for autumn 2024, the discovery of human remains during the project called for a respectful pause and slowing down for proper documentation and reburial. Additionally, unforeseen utilities presented challenges that required careful navigation.
In light of these developments the Council and We Are Colchester now anticipates that the project will be completed by March 2025. The work is scheduled to pause on Friday, November 8, allowing businesses to enjoy the festive season. At which point much of the square work and scheme will be completed.
The final works will commence on St Nicholas Street in January.
Remarking on the decision to pause, Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: " It’s disappointing that St Nicholas Square will not be ready by this Christmas, but our priority is to ensure that the project is completed to the highest standard, be respectful of what we might find, and to support and minimise impact on local businesses. This pause allows us to achieve that while minimising disruption during this festive time. The remaining tasks to be carried out in the new year are far less disruptive.
“Both St Nicholas Square and the Digital Forum, currently under construction, are set to open next year. This year marks the beginning of transformative regeneration in our city centre, and next year, residents, businesses, and visitors will start to enjoy the remarkable changes which are happening.”
St Nicholas Square’s redevelopment is part of an ambitious effort involving 15 regeneration projects slated for completion by 2030. This initiative led by Team Colchester – a partnership between Colchester and Essex Councils – aims to revitalise public spaces, bolster infrastructure, preserve heritage, and stimulate economic growth within Colchester city centre.
Funding for these projects has been secured through various channels, including Section 106 funding and grants from the UK Government. With these efforts, Colchester’s landscape is set for a remarkable transformation that will benefit both residents and commercial entities alike by 2030.
For an overview of all 15 regeneration projects, please visit Colchester City Council’s interactive map at www.colchester.gov.uk/citycentre.
Page last reviewed: 30 October 2024