A BRAND new park and river watersports could be coming to Colchester as part of plan to invigorate the city. 

The Colchester City Centre Masterplan has revealed dozens of ideas to help boost the city. 

Under the plans Colchester's Roman history would be the starting point to create a new park. 

An all new Roman Wall Park in the city centre has been suggested which would use the city's historic Roman wall to promote walking routes. 

The plans include joining up the park with existing open spaces along the walls and nearby walking routes.

The plan reads: “Ensure new developments create public access to the wall, work with landowners to link currently disconnected areas and increase public access to both sides of the wall, improve public realm around the wall to enhance its setting."

Other suggestions inlcude creating better access to the river Colne with paddleboarding, canoeing and swimming.

Gazette: The River Colne has been earmarked as a way to bring new experiences to the city.The River Colne has been earmarked as a way to bring new experiences to the city. (Image: Steve Brading)

Several plans have been identified for pubs and restaurants within the city, with hopes to support the evening and night-time economy.

Options identified include improvements to licencing which would promote outdoor dining and outdoor pub seating for venues within the city.

Several opportunities for vacant buildings, including Debenhams, have been earmarked, with hopes to diversify the city economy.

Gazette: Colchester's iconic Roman wall is set to feature as a major role in the new historical park area.Colchester's iconic Roman wall is set to feature as a major role in the new historical park area. (Image: Newsquest)

Purposes for the buildings have yet to be identified, but the Masterplan defined ‘diversifying’ the economy as: “Make it more resilient, cater to a range of age groups and contribute to the evening and night-time economy.”

Potential uses for such empty buildings included opportunities for co-working, market, leisure, hotel, food and drink, and culture.

David King, leader of Colchester City Council said: “Master planning is a great opportunity to think in new ways and to open ourselves to new experiences.

“We have rivers and streams, coast and country not just heritage and culture and we know residents and visitors love new experiences.

“Master planning is an invitation for fresh views and experiences. We welcome views of every kind as we reshape our city.”