COLCHESTER will receive £18.2 million from the Government's Towns Fund, it has been confirmed.

This is in addition to the £1 million which has already been received.

We Are Colchester, a group including Essex County Council, Colchester Council and businesses, bid for £25 million from the scheme.

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed the borough will receive £18.2 in the Budget on Wednesday.

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Colchester's MP Will Quince said: "The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has today announced £18.2m for Colchester as part of the #TownsFund which is in addition to the £1m already received.

"This represents the most significant Government investment to re-generate Colchester town centre in decades.

"I promised to work cross-party to help secure as much Government investment into Colchester as possible.

"Today that promise was delivered with £18.2m secured to re-generate Colchester in addition to the £1m already received.

"This is game-changing and wonderful news for our town."

The money will be used for investment things like in 5G, a state-of-the-art youth centre, bringing historic buildings back to life, walking and cycling routes and creating a more attractive town centre.

Investment is also set to be made to to regenerate key urban areas outside the town centre with the idea of providing bikes to those in need.

Projects to revamp historic buildings within the town centre are also set to be prioritised, including reviving Jumbo water tower.