The UK's oldest Augustinian priory could have plans approved

Colchester Council will hold its planning committee meeting on Thursday evening which will discuss the proposed £7million St Botolph's Priory facelift.

The plan is to drastically change the area in effort to create a renewed focus on the historic St Botolph’s Priory which is around 900 years old.

This would be done by making the site accessible and visible, reimagining the ancient monument as a centrepiece.

St Botolph's Priory

City planners have recommended the revised application is approved in collaboration by Team Colchester – a partnership between Colchester Council and Essex County Council.

Historic England is “supportive of the scheme”, planners say but the organisation has raised concerns with “lighting and tree planting” which still need to be addressed.

Agenda notes said: “Five existing trees will be removed as part of the proposed development to open up key visual corridors to heritage assets, including the Priory ruins.

“In response, a robust replanting strategy is proposed, comprising a carefully selected mix of native, ornamental, and multi-stem species.

“New trees will be concentrated along the western edge of St Botolph’s Square, within Priory Gardens, subject to Historic England comments, and at key junctions to soften hard edges and reinforce legibility."

As part of the transformation, there would be St Botolph’s Square with ramps, steps and pedestrian paths, alongside a “small, informal play space” proposed in the area.

The play space could include a toddler play set and floating wooden climbing structure.

Five existing trees will be removed with new trees and planting to be used.

Vision - St Botolph's Square (Image: Ida-Design)

Another concept - how the play area could look (Image: lda-design)

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

There have been a number of objections raised including the proposed loss off parking as Britannia Car Park which would lose 83 spaces. But cycling spaces would increase from none to 14 spaces.

One objection said: “The proposals will be a waste of money.

“The car park is perfect for the station and the courts.

“On top of that the car park is hidden.

“Instead of wasting money on creating a square in the back end of nowhere, you should go back to the proposal from 2005 where the Priory Street car park was to be landscaped and limited parking for residents and churches. To enhance one of our most important historical landmarks, the Roman wall.”

MP Pam Cox welcomes the "ambition shown by Colchester Council".

Colchester MP - Pam Cox (Image: Newsquest)

If approved, work for the Government Levelling Up Fund and the Town Deal backed project, could begin in Spring 2026.

A decision is still yet to be made.