Greater Anglia pushes back train station car park works

Colchester Station Car Park’s covered parking was closed for emergency repairs and demolition in July 2024.

Greater Anglia said the car park would be demolished after a structural report found that the condition of the deck had deteriorated.

As part of a two-phase project, the car park structure was demolished and has been fenced-off with the commuters still being able to use the large car park area towards the back of the site.

The project should include new accessible bays, better lighting, additional cycle and motorcycle parking, and enhanced CCTV provision.

Colchester Train Station - the fenced-off area where the structure used to be (Image: NQ)

Works completed so far also included setting up a temporary access and egress road for motorists and a new walkway for pedestrians.

Last year Greater Anglia said it hoped the works would be completed by the end of 2025.

But the Gazette understands it would not be completed until summer 2026 - two years after the car park was closed.

A Greater Anglia spokesperson said: “We know many people choose to park at our station, and this essential work will improve the car park at Colchester.

Colchester Train Station - another look at the fenced-off area (Image: NQ)

Colchester Train Station - the station (Image: NQ)

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused while the work takes place, and we would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding.”

The Greater Anglia spokesperson told the Gazette the completion date for the project changed after historic drainage issues were discovered which needed to be dealt with.

Mile End ward Councillor Venessa Moffat lives near the station, she said: “I’m happy to see more accessible parking and cycle/motorcycle bays.

Colchester Train Station - the car park (Image: NQ)

Colchester Train Station - the side road to access the car park (Image: NQ)

“But without the extra level of parking, there will be fewer bays overall.

“This will not help commuters and could inhibit the attractiveness of our city to those having to commute into London.

“I would be happier if there were more parking bays, and car parks are a massive opportunity to add PV powered charging stations for electric vehicles.

“I don’t believe this is in the plan, but I do think that every car park should have a PV cover to offer renewable energy for the local community.”

Councillor Venessa Moffat (Image: NQ)

A Greater Anglia spokesperson said they were "on target" to complete the car park works in summer 2026.