Colchester roundabout works branded a 'waste of money'

The £15.2million redevelopment of St Botolph’s Circus began in April with contractors Jackson Civil Engineering beginning ground works in early August following a drop-in session.

Plans to revamp the area were announced in 2023, and tree-felling works on the roundabout took place in February ahead of the revamp.

The scheme will see the existing roundabout made smaller in effort to create a public plaza area on St Botolph’s Street.

Works taking place - St Botolph’s Circus (Image: NQ)

Works will also include the removal of the existing underpasses and subways, new crossing points on each arm of the roundabout and on Stanwell Street added, improved pavement and cycle spaces.

There will also be new cycling links to promote greener travel into the city centre, enhanced landscaping and space for pop-up shops and stands.

Many drivers fear it will get worse once youngsters return to school in September.

Shelley Hughes said: “It’s chaos and a total waste of money, the city centre needs money desperately, it’s a disgrace yet we spend £15million doing this.”

Concept - a previous design of how it could look after the revamp (Image: Colchester Council)

Adam Bishop said: “Just wait until when the schools start again, then you will see chaos.”

Anita Gregory: “It has actually made it easier.

“With only one lane going into Magdalen Street from Mersea Road, I don't have to worry about white van man in the wrong lane, trying to force me off the road anymore.”

Lee Myall said: “I still can't get over that the people who signed off on the £15million pound price tag still have their jobs.”

Elaine Simpson-Long: “I’m doing huge circles to get into the city centre, and I avoid it as it is already a mess. And we all know the ‘target” date will not be met.

“It’s a total and utter waste of money. A few millions off this budget to sort out the lake in Castle Park, which is the only place worth visiting, would be a really good idea.”

(Image: Colchester Council)

Ian Stanton said: “It’s a little slower than normal but good to see works are going at a fast pace.”

Savanna Rayment said: “There’s been absolutely no disruption to my commute which passes by the works via bus.”

Phil Suarez said: “Chaos and have been caught in tailbacks on Southway several times. It will be far worse once normal traffic conditions resume after school holidays finish.

Louise Richards: “Absolute nightmare. Once you get through the traffic on Southway you then take your life in your hands due to people being unsure of lane changes on roundabout.

“The near misses and horns beeping should tell you all you need to know.”

(Image: Colchester Council)

Works will continue until Autumn 2027, and MP Pam Cox has also voiced her concerns, urging the councils and contractor to ensure essential access to the city centre remains.

The project is being funded by the previous government’s levelling up fund which was awarded to the city.

A spokesperson for Team Colchester which is comprised of Colchester Council and Essex County Council, said: "We appreciate people's patience while these works are being carried out.

"The St Botolph's project is being delivered by partners working together to regenerate one of the main gateways into Colchester city centre, making it safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, bus users and motorists.

"The funding allocated to the scheme is ring-fenced for this project and cannot be used for other purposes.

"Project partners are working closely together to keep disruption to a minimum wherever possible. Traffic management arrangements are being proactively monitored throughout the construction period and adjustments are being made where needed to help ensure traffic continues to flow as smoothly as possible.

"While works of this scale inevitably bring some inconvenience, every effort is being made to complete the scheme as efficiently as possible.

"Once complete, the scheme will improve access through the area and help create a more welcoming gateway into the city for residents, businesses and visitors."