Get involved in Colchester's vibrant future

With construction of the firstsite:newsite arts and cultural facility now underway, the next stage in the development of the wider St Botolph's area is set to start -- and we need people in Colchester to tell us what they would like to see as part of the town's new cultural quarter.

The vision for the area around the firstsite:newsite building, as set out in the St Botolph's quarter masterplan, adopted by the Council in June 2005, is to create a cultural hub for the town -- a place where people can shop, socialise, be entertained, work and live.

Councillor Brian Jarvis, Portfolio Holder for Renaissance said: "Work has already started to look at potential uses for the new cultural quarter but we want the public to help us shape those ideas into something that Colchester can be proud of -- a place that combines our fantastic heritage and our exciting future, that will appeal to both residents and visitors alike."

Some of the activities and facilities being considered include creative studios and workshops, independent retail with a cultural bias including an area specifically for the sale of local goods and services, office accommodation for arts or media related businesses, and a town square where people can relax and be entertained with bars/cafes and restaurants offering the potential for outdoor dining.

As well as the provision of new facilities and the planned public realm improvements, it is anticipated that the cultural quarter will provide a link to the many hidden and inaccessible historical sites in the area, including the town wall and St Botolph's Priory. It will also give people a base to explore the well used and loved Natural History Museum and Colchester Castle.

A development competition has been launched, specifically targeting architects and developers to secure an innovative development partner who will help to bring this vision to life.

Cllr Jarvis added: "We want Colchester residents to be part of this process and tell us what they would like to see in the town's new cultural hub -- What sorts of activities would you like to see in the public space? What sorts of shops would you like? We want to know!"

To find out more look out for the next edition of the Courier being delivered to households throughout the borough at the end of November or visit www.colchester-regen.co.uk/stbotolphs and join the Creating Colchester's Cultural Quarter forum.

Ends

Press release issued: November 20 2006