Given the current economic climate, ambitious plans to create a 4.5 acre park now do not appear to be viable.  A revised project has been developed to review all options for delivery of a public park on the quayside and look at the practicability of building family homes on the breakers parks.  it is intended to produce a planning brief for an exemplar development on the comprehensive site which would prove attractive to the market both in value and in marketability terms.

Scope of the Project

The project will use internal expertise and appoint consultants to review the land use options for sites to the south of a line drawn between Recreation Road and Colne Causeway roundabout, up to Distillery Pond Lane.  A design brief for the comprehensive site area will be completed whih will then be subject to internal and external consultation.

Aim of the Project

• A design brief will be prepared.
• A broad range of professionals and landowners will be involved.
• This is an opportune moment for a review of ideas and aspirations, particuarly with the Environment Agency demanding a build height of 2m above high water for residential properties and an increased demand for affordable family housing.

Outcomes of the Project

A comprehensive review of options will be undertaken.

Status

Funding for 2009/10 £20,000

Funding for 2010/11 £20,000

IDP Package: East Colchester

Status as at 30 June 2009:

• The initial feasibility project team has been assembled.
• Work has commenced to collate existing site information.

Status as at 30 September 2009:

• Audit of all current site information completed.
• Review of options completed.
• Scope of design brief completed.
• The development of Breaker's Park now involves two other partners.

Status as at 31 December 2009:

• Meeting held with Environment Agency after project meeting in October as one third of the site falls within the zone 3 flood area.
• Basic design elements are now drawn up showing alternative developments for the park at King Edward Quay. 

Status as at 31 March 2010:

• Consultants appointed.
• Delays in accessing site caused by inclement weather conditions.
• Delays in locating previous boreholes due to scrap vehicles being stored on top.

Status as at 30 June 2010:

• Contaminated land study completed.
• Detailed design work has now commenced.

Status as at 30 September 2010:

• Basic design in place and will be tested through Stakeholder workshop in October.
• Discussions regarding tripartite agreeement underway.