All we know about homes plan for Britannia and Vineyard Street car parks

Colchester Council's cabinet will discuss plans for the regeneration of Vineyard Street and Britannia car parks at a meeting next week.

The plans would see 190 homes built across both car parks, with just a few parking spaces retained.

Disabled parking spaces will remain and be protected. 

Here is what we know about the plans:

Vineyard Street

 

The vision for Vineyard Street includes a new residential neighbourhood of up to 70 new homes built along the area’s former medieval street plan.

 

The Roman town wall would be "opened up" to create a backdrop to new public spaces, featuring commercial units.

There will be a mix of homes, retail, food and drink outlets and pop up stalls in the area.

Britannia

 

At Britannia Car Park, proposals could see the construction of up to 120 new homes, including 30 per cent affordable properties.

The Priory Scheduled Ancient Monument setting will be revived with new planting to create a new "high-quality green town square" and a "more attractive gateway into the south-eastern side of town".

Why are the changes being planned?

The council says the change fits with the council’s recently-approved Positive Parking Strategy.

The council is working in partnership with the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) to develop a "Parking Estate Plan", which will assess and respond to the required parking provision in the town in light of this development and other housing and transportation developments over the next five years.

The work will consider the need for reallocation of parking, assessing the location and scale of any replacement car parking on the east of the town.

An assessment in order to provide replacement parking will take place. 

Vineyard Street and Britannia Car Park were first identified for regeneration in 2005 in the St Botolph Masterplan, focusing on the east of the town.

The council say the developments fit with nearby completed schemes such as Firstsite and Colchester Town Station as well as plans for new business units off Queen Street.

Colchester Council says the new homes will take advantage of new green initiatives for the town, such as:

• The so-called Rapid Transit System which will link the University, town centre, mainline railway station, hospital and Park and Ride at Colchester Northern Gateway and pass along the Vineyard Street route

• Essex County Council's ‘Safer, Greener, Healthier’ projects, and other sustainable transport initiatives to influence an overall reduction in car parking and improve sustainable methods of travel.

• The town’s east-west cycle route which passes the Vineyard Street development.

• Improvements to Air Quality which will be boosted by reductions in town centre car parking and traffic movements.

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What has the council said?

Business boss David King said: “The transformation of these two sites into vibrant new ‘liveable neighbourhoods’ with improved public realm, softer landscaping and a boosted café culture, will add vitality to the Town Centre and support a stronger post-Covid recovery for the borough.

“This is a hugely welcome step change, away from shopping alone, to realising the potential of these spaces.

"They are strategically located and can be welcoming and inspiring gateways into town for residents, shoppers and visitors alike.

"Their regeneration will act as a powerful catalyst for even wider renewal and investment.

"Bringing people into great places to live close to the town centre will restore vibrancy and footfall.

We can create a closer link between the places where we work and live and restore a new sense of daily life and community in the heart of our great town.”

Theresa Higgins, councillor responsible for commercial services, added: “We created our companies in 2018 to help lead delivery on some of our strategic priorities.

"This is another example of how the council and its companies can combine a commercial approach with our public sector ethos, to bring about social and environmental benefits for the town.

"Colchester Amphora Homes Limited will deliver sustainable, affordable and high-quality homes amongst a mix of commercial uses that regenerate the area and contribute to the town’s long-term future.”

What happens next?

The cabinet will discuss the plans at a meeting on Wednesday next week.

If approved, Colchester Amphora Homes Ltd (CAHL), the council’s wholly-owned commercial company, would progress the projects through feasibility and viability stages, which would include public consultation and further engagement with stakeholders.

What do you think?

Let us know your thoughts on the proposals by emailing robbie.bryson@newsquest.co.uk.