NEW plans for a £65 million retail, leisure and employment park in Stanway have been unveiled.

Tollgate Partnership Limited has applied for planning permission for the latest iteration of its Tollgate Village development.- dubbed Tollgate Village 2.0.

The original plans were given approval after an appeal in 2017, however, these have been revised to reflect changes in the market.

Latest proposals feature office space for small businesses along with a 60-bed hotel, an eight-screen cinema, bowling alley, restaurants and shops.

The firm says the development will create 880 new jobs and 480 during construction, pumping about £26 million into the economy.

Gazette: How Tollgate Village in Stanway could look once completeHow Tollgate Village in Stanway could look once complete

Jayne Gee and Daniel Watts, directors of the Tollgate Partnership, said: "After holding off from starting construction just as the pandemic hit, we have responded to the changing markets and re-evaluated the plans. We are really excited about this new incarnation which will bring vibrancy, leisure, retail and more sustainable jobs to Colchester.

"The biggest changes we have made from the previous application is the introduction of a new container park aimed at community and young entrepreneurial businesses, two new drive-thru’s on the former Sainsbury’s site, a new business hub and pocket parks throughout the development."

The development will be split into four distinct zones with works on the new leisure and retail site at the old Sainsbury's site set to start first.

Read more:

Works are also planned to upgrade the area's crossing points, widen footpaths and create a new walking and cycling route linking with nearby homes.

Gazette: How Tollgate Village in Stanway could look once completeHow Tollgate Village in Stanway could look once complete

Ms Gee and Mr Watts said: "We have submitted this application following a public consultation in May and hope that the planning process won’t be as protracted as last time, given that the retail and leisure use and quantum of floor space has already been established.

"We hope to commence building next year, with The Light cinema anchoring the brilliant leisure facilities in the first phase of Tollgate Village.

“If granted planning permission, the scheme will create a thriving gateway hub for Colchester, where people of all ages can work, shop, meet and relax.

"An estimated 480 construction jobs and more than 880 additional jobs will be created.

"Approximately £26 million will be generated for the local economy and improved facilities will encourage people to spend money locally, rather than travel out of the borough.”

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans.

Visit www.TollgateVillage.uk.