Colchester Middle Mill weir repair ruled out due to £2M bill

Repairs to the 900-year-old structure have been debated since its collapse into the River Colne in December 2023.

At a cabinet meeting last Wednesday, it was heard the repair work could cost around £190,000 a year in borrowing and interest costs.

Disrepair – the weir collapsed into the River Colne more than three years ago (Image: Newsquest)

David King, the Liberal Democrat council leader, told the meeting everyone loved the weir as it was, and many loved taking their families there.

He said: “Emotionally, I think we all completely get why people might want to go back to the past.

“We’re a city that loves its heritage and does a fabulous job of showing we do – but this is a really significant bill.”

He added that the council did not have the money to cover the costs and would have to borrow, at further expense through interest payments, if it wanted to make the repairs.

Councillor Martin Goss said there is “no reason” from an ecology point of view for the council to rebuild the weir. 

He added: “The Environment Agency, while not the decision maker, is happy that we don’t rebuild that. Now that has implications for filling the boating lake but that is not on the agenda tonight but it’s something we need to be mindful of.”

The weir, at the bottom of the park, was first recorded as a functioning water mill in 1101, and it initially belonged to the Castle, according to Colchester Museums.

Delay – there has been frustration at the length of time it has taken to make a decision about the the weir's future (Image: Public)

A report for councillors ahead of the meeting states the river is doing well and showing “clear ecological gains.”

Michael Fitt, secretary of the Colchester Civic Society, raised concerns about “the gradual collapse” of the river banks and impact on nearby homes.

He insisted: “As a heritage asset it must receive the care and attention the city council is required to give to heritage in its stewardship.”