STATE-of-the-art sports facilities have been confirmed as top of the agenda for Colchester’s Northern Gateway development.

They will include an elite standard 1.6km long bike race circuit, a BMX track, rugby facilities and a base for Essex Cricket.

Planning officers confirmed the plans at the recent Local Plan Committee meeting.

It was revealed the authority is already working with Essex Cricket Board to provide them with facilities in the north of the county and British Cycling is also being consulted over the bike plans, which also include ‘Learn to Cycle’ areas.

Potential financing options include national bodies such as Sports England, European funding, and the Local Enterprise Partnership.

Cllr Phil Coleman (Lib Dems), who had been involved in a recent consultation with PE course leaders across Colchester, praised the council’s vision.

Cllr Adam Fox (Lab), said: “It’s great Colchester is attracting this sort of facility for young people.

“Quite often we hear from residents the council isn’t ambitious enough and Colchester doesn’t compete with the bigger towns in our region, but this is the sort of development which shows Colchester can compete.”

However, Sue Lissimore, (Cons) called the report lazy and questioned why the Northern Gateway’s commercial leisure areas, set to include a cinema and restaurant, were not deemed to be in conflict with the town centre.

The Prettygate councillor also expressed concern about the leisure promenade and public space for events and performances.

She added: “There are residents out there who are up in arms about how this is so different to Tollgate and why it should go ahead.

“The Boulevard looks like a High Street to me, which is no different to Tollgate or Colchester High Street.

“There are also pictures showing outdoor screens and I’m struggling to understand how those features aren’t in direct competition with Castle Park or Firstsite.”

Simon Cairns, the council’s major development and projects manager, explained the Northern Gateway is not a retail-led scheme and said any retail usage would be secondary.

The committee has agreed to adopt the masterplan, which will be considered in future planning proposals in the Northern Gateway area.

A full planning application will be submitted in “due course”.

They added: “In association with this proposal, it seems likely an outline application will come forward for part of the land at Mill Road.

“The progression of the Preferred Options stage of the Colchester Local Plan 2017 to 2033 is an important part of the wider policy context and the council will have to review its intentions in light of representations received to these emerging policies.”