This project seeks to enable the delivery of a number of key regeneration projects in the town centre through implementation of a sustainable traffic management system, improvements to the highway and provision of a new on street public transport facility.

To revitalise and rejuvenate the public spaces and streets of Colchester town centre in a way that improves the sense of enjoyment and pleasure for people using the town and enhance the socio economic benefits that already exists. To begin the implementation of proposals that emphasize the historic assets of the town while delivering a quality of urban fabric that increases the desire of people to want to work, visit, reside and learn in the town centre.

Project Scope:

The Project will include:

• Employment of a project officer over the three year period.
• Completion of an agreed traffic management system which will have phased implementations up to 2012.
• Physical changes to the highway, designed, modelled and initial phases completed.
• Provision of a new bus super stop in Queen Street (with later stops to be delivered by 2012).

Aims of the Project

• To reduce traffic flows through the town centre core.
• Improve the pedestrian and cycling environment in the High Street to provide both health and economic benefits.
• Enable delivery of the key regeneration projects.
• Provide improved public transport facilities and network improvements that will reduce travel times and encourage better use of buses.
• Provide interactive information for all town centre users.
• Deliver a sustainable solution to transport in the town centre.

Outcomes of the Project

• The High Street will be a place that people want to visit and spend time in.
• Creation of a vision for the town centre core agreed by key stakeholders
• Deliver enhancements to the historic environment.
• Deliver a reduction in traffic congestion.
• Addresses identified negative perceptions of the area.
• Provides clear evidence of long term sustainability.

Status

Funding for 2008/09 £100,000

Funding for 2009/10 £150,000

Status as at 30 September 2008:

• Project officer recruited
• Preparation of second stage brief almost complete.
• Consultation with stakeholders ongoing.

Status as at 31 December 2008:

• Background studies on traffic issues completed
• Meeting planned in February with Essex County Council to agree transportation issues
• 'Quick win' funding will address smaller scale projects within the overall project to improve the appearance of the High Street.

Status as at 31 March 2009:

• Preliminary works undertaken with input from project lead and internal urban design team.
• Survey of street furniture in the town centre completed.
• Public realm strategy at draft stage.
• Tender documents raised for fire office works.
• Survey work underway for minor kerb changes to bus stops.