Archive - Wednesday, 20 February 2002


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Colchester: U's new home under threat

Potential risks to the future of a community stadium and major road junction in Colchester are set to be discussed.

Tonight's move follows speculation that a new home for Colchester United at a community stadium and a new junction on the northern approaches to the A12 could be in jeopardy if English Heritage issue a protection order on parkland at the former Severalls Hospital.

Christopher Arnold, Colchester Council's portfolio holder for environment and transport, said he hoped to make a statement about the Severall's development at tonight's full council meeting.

He has asked officers to clarify the situation with English Heritage and said it was a possibility the scheme could be under threat.

"There could be no question of producing the stadium up there without the junction on to the A12."

Ian Richards, a Save Severalls campaigner, said he welcomed plans to protect the parkland.

Essex County Council is looking for suggestions to make use of the concert hall at the former Severalls Hospital.

It has commissioned Oxford-based CDB Merger Services to carry out a feasibility study by the end of March.

The concert hall dates from the 1920s. It was used for dances and film shows for patients and staff.

The Severalls complex closed down in 1997. Its future is being considered by Colchester Council.

Anyone with ideas for the concert hall should contact Paul Skeet at Essex Council on 01245 437673 or paul.skeet@essexcc.gov.uk

Published Wednesday, February 20, 2002