A DECISION on how a rejuvenated Vineyard Gate precinct could look will be taken before the end of the year, new documents reveal.

Last autumn it was feared the plans were dead in water after the controversial Tollgate Village plans were approved by a Government inspector.

But a change of approach appears to have paved a way forward, with the 2.5-acre site set to combine residential, retail, leisure and 'boutique retail' uses.

Architects GT3 have been appointed to come up with designs of how the project could look.

In documents set to go before Colchester councillors next week, a report states: "High level concept Vineyard Gate plans have been produced and the next stage of the project is now underway with costings being carried out, market testing to be undertaken and a development appraisal to be carried out later in the summer to enable a paper on delivery options to be submitted to cabinet in the autumn.

"Land assembly is ongoing with the acquisition of properties in the surrounding area."

Tim Young, Colchester councillor responsible for regeneration, said: "The plan is now very much starting to emerge and we are really encouraged by the interest being shown by a number of prospective development partners coming forward.

"It shows people willing to get involved not only in a development in Colchester but a development in Colchester town centre.

"It's putting us in a great position.

"I think it's fair to say if we had interest from none or just one development partner, we probably wouldn't be pressing ahead but because we can see there is firm interest there from a number of partners, we're very excited about it."