Colchester Northern Gateway businesses in talks for site

Northern Gateway Leisure Park is making progress with the Travelodge close to opening and works have begun inside Slim Chickens restaurant and Hollywood Bowl.

Other businesses which are confirmed to open at the site include Kervan Kitchen, El Guaca Mexican Restaurant, Kaspa’s Desserts, Joyato Sushi and Grill, buffet company Nines and Italian restaurant Taste of Italy.

But three units at the site are yet to have occupiers. 

Confirmed - sign showing the list of businesses set for the site (Image: Newsquest)

The developers behind the Northern Gateway Leisure Park, Turnstone Estates, have said discussions are being made with leisure and food and beverage operators considering opening at the site.

A spokesman for Turnstone Estates said: “We are in active discussions with a number of leisure and food and beverage operators that will complement the already exciting offer.

"We hope that we will be able to successfully conclude these talks in the very near future."

Colchester Council has said it is committed to the completion of the project and agreed to budgets that would allow £7.7million infrastructure works, helped by £5million government funding, to improve Junction 28 on the A12.

The aim of this investment is to “ease peak time congestion pressures” at the site.

Thriving - Greggs drive thru at Colchester Northern Gateway Leisure Centre (Image: Newsquest)

The development is said to be making good progress as Greggs, Wendy’s and Fastned EV charging station are trading well at the site.

The council is now looking at the south side of the development, where the already delivered active travel route “The Walk” is based.

The council has said there is “significant interest in the site from various parties in the healthcare sector”.

Supportive - Colchester Council leader David King (Image: Newsquest)

David King, leader of Colchester Council, said: “The approval of budgets that enable our £7.7million investment reaffirms our commitment to the wider Northern Gateway project and aligns with our ambitious vision of Colchester as a thriving city.

“Now we will test the market to secure the best social and financial value mix to secure a new healthcare campus, business and affordable housing to supplement our great sports and leisure parks.

“The Northern Gateway development reinforces that Colchester is a destination of regional significance, emblematic of Colchester's evolution into a dynamic city.”