THERE could be renewed hope for the failed Vineyard Gate scheme, senior councillors say.
Proposals for a £65 million outdoor shopping centre were officially scrapped last month as Colchester Council bosses admitted defeat.
Paul Smith, leader of Colchester Council, said interest in the town centre location had fallen away after the controversial £70 million Tollgate Village was given the go-ahead by the Government.
Happier times - how we reported the news of Vineyard Gate in 2014
However, it has emerged “positive” talks are taking place between council regeneration officers and a mystery developer who is keen to bring forward a “mixed-use” scheme on the town centre site.
Tim Young (Lab), deputy leader of Colchester Council, said: “Talks are ongoing and I think it is fair to say we could see a positive outcome.”
Decline - how we reported the news last month
He added: “What is being proposed will not be by any means identical to what has been proposed there in the past.
Scrapped - the original plans were binned last month
“It will be a mixed-use development, that’s what the new people are interested in.”
That could mean extra restaurants and bars taking up home on the site, possibly alongside a small amount of shops.
The regeneration boss added: “This is something very new. Perhaps the disappointment which came about last month has sparked the interest but this is something which could certainly be beneficial.
No-go - the new plans will be for 'mixed use' rather than 'retail-led'
“I think they have seen there is going to be a lot of investment in Colchester.
“People will have seen Turtle Bay’s impending opening, Five Guys is just about ready and, of course, Wagamama.
“I cannot go into detail but we do now have options at Vineyard Gate.”
Council boss - Tim Young
Tollgate Village bosses reacted angrily to Mr Smith’s comments, which laid blame at their door.
They argued the failed scheme significantly pre-dated the divisive retail and leisure park plans.
Tollgate Partnerships director Daniel Watts also said the firm had tried to help bring the town centre project forward - but with no success.
The news comes as Tory group leader Dennis Willetts submitted a motion for debate at full council next Thursday.
It states: “Council informs cabinet of its disappointment that it has abandoned support for the Vineyard Gate project, which would have completed the redevelopment of the town centre, and accordingly requests cabinet to fully embrace the economic redevelopment opportunity of the Vineyard Gate area, consulting with the residents of Colchester on the opportunities available.”
It will be debated by councillors on the night.
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