AN updated masterplan is being created for Colchester’s long-awaited Northern Gateway leisure complex.

The original proposals, for land near the Community Stadium, were prepared five years ago.

But there has been significant development in the area and changes to the borough’s Local Plan.

Colchester Council project manager Lois Bowser, who wrote the latest report, said the changes were focussed around the use of land around the proposed cinema and sports facilities.

She said there was a possibility of having to redesign some roundabouts, including one at Axial Way, as the capacity will not be sufficient once the new homes are built.

Plans for the redesigns are being drawn up.

She added: “We have made it clearer what we are trying to do and have brought the land use proposals in accordance with the Local Plan.

“We are making sure we pick up on the commercial leisure areas, the community sports hub and we are endorsing commercial areas.

“We are now looking at individual sites to find the best use.”

The report says at the intersection of the Leisure Promenade and The Boulevard, a pedestrian and cycle link, will lead north toward the sports complex and rugby club, with access south towards High Woods Country Park. It added: “Secondary green links to other leisure destinations and activities, with potential to be water-based in the future, are planned to the east of the site.

“The public realm and in particular The Boulevard should form a backbone to the development, with focal areas capable of acting as informal community spaces.”

The Leisure Promenade to the west will be more focused on movement between the community stadium, tennis and racquets centre, new cinema, restaurants and leisure activities.

The Boulevard, in the east, will create opportunities for different activities, seating and art.

It will be a place to walk along, sit and socialise, and be the setting for the commercial and residential uses on each side.

There will also be a stop for the park and ride buses.

Green space will be included in the form of parkland and a new village green for residents around Mill Road.

The report also looked at connecting residents to the new development.

It said: “The key aims are to create better pedestrian links between the north and south parts of the site, and creating an opportunity for the bridge to become a marker for the Northern Gateway on the A12.”

Councillor Dennis Willets (Con) said pedestrians should be separated from cars and bikes in Axial Way.

He said: “Having to cross the slip roads and Axial Way in the dark really is a horrendous experience. In general,

“I am fully in favour of the masterplan but I would like to see us mandating pedestrian flyovers. If this is going to work and there is going to be a smooth flow of people crossing a road we should be thinking of separating them so they can casually walk from area to area.”

Councillor Dominic Graham (Lib Dem) said redesigning roundabouts was needed but would come at a serious cost.

Ms Bowser said it was not ideal but was important for safety.

Funding has been put forward to improve major junctions.

The next steps are to develop more detailed guidance for the development of key areas, engage with investors and prepare planning applications for the development plots.

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “The detailed planning application for the proposed sports hub is expected in the new year and follows the successful pre-submission consultation held in November, which attracted positive comments about the new facilities.”

The masterplan will be revised and changes will be made in the future as this is not the final vision for the Northern Gateway.

To find out more visit northerngatewaycolchester.co.uk.