THIS is a first glimpse of what the Painters Yard development at St Botolph’s will look like.

The Alumno Group released the images showing views from Firstsite Square, Queen Street, Rampart Walk and Theatre Square.

Development plans are still evolving, but the company says recent changes to the proposals after public feedback include expanding the amount of public space alongside the boardwalk, adjacent to the Roman wall.

David Campbell, managing director of Alumno Group, said: “These images show the high quality scheme which we think is vital for such an important location, and how the public spaces around it can be filled with life.

Gazette:

Theatre Square

“We want to provide an economic boost to the town centre and our current proposals include student accommodation and a new hotel, but also offer the potential for affordable artist studios leased on a long-term basis, public art, a heritage trail through the site and boardwalk next to the Roman wall.”

Alumno’s plans were drawn up after “extensive engagement” with Colchester Council’s planning department, Historic England, and a design review by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, Mr Campbell added.

Gazette:

Queen Street view

The plans are also in line with the council’s St Botolph’s Quarter Masterplan, agreed in 2005.

Commercial services boss at Colchester Council, Nick Barlow, said: “Following Alumno's consultation with the community, and particularly with the release of these new images, I feel we have an excellent and detailed preview of the development.

"It's clear the regeneration of this area of Colchester will introduce dynamic and flexible public spaces and create opportunities for creative and community organisations.

"It will be a real asset to the Cultural Quarter and to our town as a whole.”Gazette:

Rampart Walk

Click here for fuller plans.

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READ MORE: 'STOP THE CULTURAL SLAUGHTER OF THE TOWN CENTRE'