St Botolph's Square plans submitted to Colchester Council

Team Colchester – a partnership between Colchester Council and Essex County Council - has submitted a planning application for the £7million public realm project. 

The plans have given a new insight into how the project will develop. 

In St Botolph’s Square and the main pedestrian paths, natural stone paving is being proposed. 

Ramps and steps within the site, including the station and priory steps, will also use exposed aggregate concrete.

There will also be a “small, informal play space” adjacent to St Botolph’s Square which will include a soft play floor material, a bespoke toddler play set, and a floating wooden climbing structure.

Playground - The playground is purposefully away from traffic and the historic Priory (Image: lda-design) Five existing trees will be removed with new trees and planting to be used.

The main focal point of the design will be a village green and public square at Britannia yard.

Feedback from stakeholders and the public showed overall support for improvements to accessibility, landscaping, and the creation of a new public square.

However, areas of concern included the proposed loss of parking—particularly blue badge spaces— as well as the function of the new square and general safety and security.

If approved, there will be 83 fewer car park spaces at Britannia car park.

The proportion of blue badge spaces is unknown, but the application said a small number of blue badge bays will be retained and reconfigured.  

Cycling spaces will increase from none to 14 spaces.

Long term Britannia car park could be redeveloped into 120 homes. 

Visitors - Pam Cox, MP, said the development will be a gateway to the city for visitors and residents (Image: Newsquest) Pam Cox MP said: “I welcome the ambition shown by Colchester Council in proposals that will enhance one of our city’s most historically significant areas.

“The plans represent a thoughtful and heritage-led approach to regeneration, and I am encouraged by the level of public and stakeholder engagement that has shaped the scheme.

Regarding the fewer car park spaces, Ms Cox said: “I understand some people have raised concerns about car parking spaces.

“I am pleased that the proposals retain and improve blue badge provision. Improved pedestrian routes reflect a commitment to accessibility, which I support.

“Located so close to Colchester Town station and nearby bus stops means that this area is well connected. As part of the next phase of plans for this area I’d like to see an improvement to nearby bus stops to reduce congestion and make taking the bus easier.

“The council need to make sure that Colchester remains an attractive place for visitors from outside the local area who want to drive and make the most of their visit.”

A Team Colchester spokesperson said: “Colchester Council’s comprehensive Parking Strategy confirmed that there are more parking spaces than are needed in and around the city, meaning there is a significant surplus.

"This puts Colchester in a strong position to meet future demand as the city grows and means that this redevelopment can be accommodated.

"The strategy also modelled future development and expansion to assess parking needs, and the results show that there will continue to be enough spaces for residents, visitors, and businesses.

"The proposed reduction of 83 spaces represents a small proportion of the overall provision, and the inclusion of additional cycle spaces reflects our commitment to promoting sustainable travel and improving connectivity."

If approved, work could begin in spring 2026.

The Gazette understands the Britannia car park will have to close while works are carried out. 

At the heart of the proposals is a renewed focus on the historic St Botolph’s Priory.

The plans seek to make the site more accessible and visible, reimagining the ancient monument as a centrepiece.

The plans for the St Botolphs Square area (Image: lda-design)

A heritage statement, submitted as part of the proposals, said: "The existing car park was historically the site of Britannia Works, an industrial site that supported a range of manufacturing and engineering activities, until closure and demolition in the 1980s.

"The unrelieved expanses of tarmac will be replaced with comprehensive re-landscaping using high quality surfaces and planting, to create a new public space. This will create a richer and more varied setting for the heritage assets."

It added: "Locating the play area in the new square, outside the Priory Gardens, will help to preserve the setting of the ruined priory, as discussed with Historic England at pre-application stage. 

"It is envisaged that the play equipment design will take inspiration from the Priory’s architecture and from nature, helping to create a transition from the new square into the historic setting of the priory ruins."

The report said the historic gardens surrounding the priory ruins will receive "much-needed landscape improvements including new paths and surfaces." 

This will include the realignment of paths and planted areas with the layouts "intended to echo the understanding of the historic layout of the Priory." 

MP Pam Cox also said the proposed public square and landscaping improvements “will enhance the setting of St Botolph’s Priory which has been neglected for too long”.

She said: “The design has been developed in close consultation with Historic England and English Heritage, and includes measures to protect archaeological integrity, and improve the look and feel of the area.

“These steps will help make the Priory more visible, accessible, and appreciated by residents and visitors alike.

“I’m delighted to see additional tree planting, wildflowers and a children’s playpark to make this an extra site for families to enjoy in the city.”