Colchester City Centre Masterplan Commences

16 August 2022

Colchester Borough Council, in partnership with Essex County Council, have appointed We Made That to guide the development of Colchester’s City Centre Masterplan.

We Made That will lead the consultant team, which also comprises Colchester-based HAT Projects on planning, community and culture, Steer on transport and infrastructure planning, PRD on economics, viability and expert delivery advice, and Authentic Futures providing specialist heritage advice.

The Masterplan for Colchester city centre will provide a future vision and plan, identifying key areas of growth, assessing future transport opportunities and a new framework for development that defines opportunities for change and prosperity. We will be actively engaging with those who live, work, do business and visit the town centre, to advise on an overarching plan, which capitalises on the unique character and heritage of the area and identifies opportunities for future growth.

“The appointment of We Made That is another step forward for Colchester’s masterplan. Colchester has a rich heritage, and this funding will be vital in restoring and embracing the newly appointed city’s vibrancy. I look forward to this partnership between Essex County Council, Colchester Borough Council and We Made That taking these ambitious plans forward.”

Councillor Lesley Wagland OBE, Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning at Essex County Council

As part of the planning stage, we will be considering the evolving new ways of working, shopping habits and leisure time. This will include active travel habits, public transport, and access to the city centre from wider Colchester.

The masterplan will establish a shared understanding of local strengths and opportunities, with partners and stakeholders – including We Are Colchester, Our Colchester BID and heritage and creative sector groups – all pulling in the same direction to proactively engage with those who live, work, do business and visit the city centre, to create a shared vision for the future. This inclusive approach will give the community a greater ability to shape how the city centre develops.

“Our team are delighted to have been appointed for this exciting commission in one of the country’s newest cities, and also its first recorded settlement. The richness of Colchester’s heritage is truly unique, and we look forward to bringing both local experience and national expertise on high streets to bear in taking this work forwards.”

Holly Lewis, co-founding partner at We Made That

Find out more about the Colchester Masterplan here