Colchester Council to submit £20m bid for improvements to city centre

It'll see a range of projects built in a bid to boost the economy and tackle inequality

Author: Matt SoanesPublished 11th Aug 2022
Last updated 11th Aug 2022

Colchester Borough Council is to bid for £20m in Levelling Up funding from the government.

The bid is part of an effort to boost the economy and tackle inequality in the borough,

It will focus on several projects to improve the city centre, including the revelopments of the St Botolph's area, efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour and a plan to improve air quality.

If successful, there will also be work to make it easier to walk or cycle in the city by changing road layouts.

The will be a new traffic-free route connecting St Botolph’s Priory to Colchester Castle and Castle Park.

Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “Colchester is a great place to live and work."

"However, we know there are areas of inequality and deprivation that we are fully committed to tackling.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to bid for £20m of funding that will support the great work already happening with the Town Centre Masterplan and £18.2m Town Deal projects.

"Together, they will help deliver a long-term boost to the borough’s economy, create jobs, develop new housing, and improve health outcomes for everyone in Colchester.”

Colchester was awarded an £18.2m 'Town Deal' by the government last year.

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