Opening of major sports park in Colchester postponed due to Covid-19
The Northern Gateway Sports Park was due to open in January 2021.
Following uncertainty around coronavirus, the sports park will now be opened in Easter 2021.
While it's unfortunate for those who were looking forward to using the new facilities, Colchester Borough Council says the additional time will ensure it is opened safely.
Councillor Theresa Higgins, Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: "We cannot wait to welcome each and every one of you to the Northern Gateway Sports Park, but we don’t want the opening of Colchester’s newest attraction overshadowed by the risk of Covid-19.
"Though all council facilities are Covid-secure, we have taken the decision, with a heavy heart, to reschedule the opening until Easter 2021, in the hope that the worse of this terrible pandemic will have passed."
The £28.7 million sports park, located off junction 28 of the A12, features a one-mile floodlit cycle track with provisions for cyclists with disabilities.
It also includes a multi-use sports centre, indoor cricket facilities, a fitness suite, exercise studios, two all-weather pitches, grass pitches, an archery range, café and meeting rooms.
It will also boast a rugby facility which will become the new home of Colchester Rugby Football Club.
The council says the 76-acre site will also benefit from the initial planting of over 500 native and ornamental trees, almost 87,000 native saplings and 31,000 shrubs, perennials, grasses and wild meadow species.