Residents who turned up to workshops discussing the future of garrison land will be invited to join a focus group to have their say.

Workshops in February attracted 175 people who had their own ideas on what they wanted to see on the 100-acre site between Butt Road, South Street and Military Road together with two separate parcels of land bordering Berechurch Road and Berechurch Hall Road, which is earmarked for redevelopment.

The scheme will pave the way for a £900 million redevelopment of the garrison to provide new accommodation for 3,500 army personnel.

Colchester Council's head of development services Ian Vipond said the council wants to harness the enthusiasm of people who turned up for the workshops, which were held with land developers RMPA and the council.

The focus group would look at topics such as transport issues, the future development of Abbey Green and the possibility of creating neighbourhood centres.

A master plan for the redevelopment is due to be made public in June or July.

Ideas suggested at the spring workshops include:

Development of a science park/IT-orientated area

A mixed use site with shops/housing/leisure

Multi-sports facilities

Mixed local shops

A retirement village

Garrison church used as arts venue/museum

More schools and play areas

Transport and concerns about extra congestion need addressing.

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