PLANS for a major redevelopment of a former retail shop in Colchester city centre have been put on hold, bosses have confirmed. 

A bid to turn the former Debenhams store in Culver Square and Culver Street West into a leisure paradise was given the green light in 2023. 

Blueprints included a ground-floor arcade area and a Putt Putt Noodle mini golf, as well as an indoor trampoline park and a 3,755sqm go-karting course. 

Previous plans suggested locating the go-karting course on the second level but revised plans would see that swapped with the trampoline area. 

Halt - The project has been delayedHalt - The project has been delayed (Image: Google) But little has changed visually about the property, which has been empty since the retailer moved out in 2021. 

Developers have now told the Gazette the project has come to a halt. 

Rich Beese, co-owner of We Do Play, which specialises in creating immersive leisure and hospitality experiences, which include Flip Out and Putt Putt Social, said: “Due to circumstances out of our control, we have had to pause our plans to launch the multi-brand entertainment centre We Do Play entertainment centre in Culver Square.  

"The plans included the launch of Flip Out, UK's most popular indoor adventure park group, and Putt Putt Social, the UK's leading crazy golf, entertainment, drink and dining destination. 
  
“While this delay has been unexpected, we are keen to find a way to push forward with a launch in Colchester in the future.” 

Castle ward councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor said he was disappointed by the delay.

Disappointed - Councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor hopes the project will still go aheadDisappointed - Councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor hopes the project will still go ahead (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “It is of course very disappointing when a project which could have brought so much to the city is put on hold. 

“I hope that it is only a temporary hiatus and not a permanent problem.” 

A licence for opening times was granted by Colchester Council earlier this year. 

The site is looking to be open from 10am to 11.30pm from Monday to Thursday, 10am to midnight on Friday and Saturday and 12noon to 10.30pm on Sundays. 

A date has yet to be set for the project to be completed.