AN official bid has been submitted for Colchester to receive coveted city status recognition.

Colchester Council confirmed it has sent its proposal to the Government, which is seeking bids from across the UK to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

If successful, it will be the first time the prestigious status as been awarded to co-incide with a jubilee in nearly a decade and for Colchester, it will be fifth time lucky.

Ahead of tomorrow’s deadline for applications, Colchester Council shared its ambitious bid exclusively with the Gazette.

It describes Colchester as a “self-confident borough” which has “evolved into a modern city,” and is the “focal point” of the region.

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The proposal outlines eight key factors to why it should be a successful one, including Colchester’s distinct identity, civic pride, cultural infrastructure and its vibrant and welcoming community.

Also highlighted was the town’s record of innovation, sound governance and administration, association with royalty and other distinctive features, including famous residents and landmarks.

Borough councillor Darius Laws, who has spearheaded the campaign, says he has “no doubt” this will be a great thing for Colchester.

“I feel really excited by this opportunity,” he said. “We were Britain’s first city and I believe we’ve got the ingredients to become Britain’s newest city.

“We want to prove we are the place to invest in, in the east. We are the place of opportunity for people to come to and thrive.

“It’s not just about history – we’ve got that in abundance – but actually we’ve got to be progressive and highlight as people we have values matching a city. We are open-minded, tolerant, international and have high aspirations here.

“We are not sitting static, we are a dynamic place moving forward and we can shape our future. There will be growing pains but it will prove to be a great thing.

“Even when those who are cynical and shout loudly look at what we have they can’t help but feel proud of an impressive list of attributes we have here.”

The decision on which areas have been given city status will be announced next year.