Colchester awarded £18.2 million from Towns Fund
Colchester Borough Council says it's a "fantastic boost" to the area
Colchester has been awarded £18.2 million from the Towns Fund.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced the news in his Budget statement yesterday (3 March).
It was chosen as one of 101 towns across the country to apply for up to £25 million at the start of 2020, and over 1,000 views were submitted on how to improve the area.
The bid was submitted by We Are Colchester, which is a partnership involving public, private and voluntary organisations.
A variety of projects with wide-reaching benefits to residents across the borough will now be able to be processed, according to the council.
Councillor Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: "I am delighted that the ‘We are Colchester’ partnership has managed to secure this significant investment into the Borough.
"This funding focusses on things that really matter to residents and businesses. This includes town centre improvements, more investment for the heart of Greenstead, facilities for younger people, improved digital provision including 5G and physical infrastructure for walking and cycling.
"This is a fantastic boost for the borough and is testament to the hard work of many partners."
Colchester Borough Council says projects will draw on lessons learned from Covid-19 and help with recovery work.
The next steps will be to agree 'Head of Terms' with Government on funding, then continue scoping work on projects, including public engagement.