Improvements begin at King Edward Quay

Improvements to King Edward Quay in East Colchester began this week with a ground breaking ceremony.

East Colchester is one of Colchester's four regeneration areas, and it is hoped the improvements at King Edward Quay will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the adjacent land between the quay and Haven Road. The improvements will create a public open space that will provide a recreational and meeting space for local people.

Funding for the improvements has come from Colchester Borough Council and B-Sure.

The project has also provided Colchester Borough Council and Essex County Council with the opportunity to strengthen their partnership working, with B-sure providing the framework for a number of joint initiatives.

In the case of KEQ, Essex County Council's Urban Design Team and Essex Highways Service are working closely with Colchester Borough Council to deliver the project.

As part of the work there will be a clean up of the quayside which will include removing illegal caravans, clearing sunk vessels, and creating a licensing system for local boat owners.

Councillor Brian Jarvis, Colchester Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Renaissance, carried out the ground breaking ceremony.
 
Councillor Jarvis said: "The work at King Edward Quay signals the next step in the regeneration of East Colchester. We hope that these improvements will act as a catalyst for further regeneration in the area, particularly around the quayside itself, and look forward to making this a vibrant area of open space which will be of great benefit to the local community."

Essex County Councillor Jeremy Lucas said: "There is a lot of good work being carried out in and around the Hythe area of Colchester. It is very exciting to see this next step towards the regeneration of the area. I know that what will be built here will bring a new lease of life to this area of the town."

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Press release issued August 18th 2006