£29 million Northern Gateway Sports Park opens to the public

Colchester Mayor Robert Davidson officially opened the Northern Gateway Sports Park, just off the A12 at junction 28, on Monday morning.

British Cycling, Essex County Cricket, Paddy & Scott’s Café, Colchester Rugby Football Club, Colchester & District Archery Club and Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd celebrated the official opening of the Sports Park.

The new £28.8 million Northern Gateway Sports Park facility features a cycle track, a learn to ride course and cycle pump track for children.

The 76-acre sport and leisure facility also boast 3G pitches, grass rugby pitches, a multi-use sports centre, fitness suite, exercise studios, an interactive velo studio, indoor cricket, badminton, futsal and archery.

For now, the Northern Gateway Sports Park is opened at a reduced capacity due to government Covid guidelines.

The £29 million Northern Gateway Sports Park has opened today

Residents and visitors will be able to begin a membership, explore the site, breathe in the open green spaces and enjoy a take-away craft coffee and treat at Paddy & Scott’s new café.

Colchester and District Archery Club will be relocating to the Northern Gateway Sports Park later this year. They are currently based at Mile End, Colchester.

Theresa Higgins, councillor responsible for commercial services, said: “I am very happy to be opening this fantastic sports facility today.

"I have enjoyed the cycle track myself and look forward to professionals, families and people of all abilities racing along the circuit.

“There are so many sports available here to have a go at; the gym is state of the art; the sports hall is fantastic; and the velo studio is truly challenging for anyone wishing to take on the ultimate cycle experience.

“With open green spaces and craft coffee from Paddy & Scott’s I know the Sports Park will become a popular social hub for Colchester.”

The £29 million Northern Gateway Sports Park has opened today

Read more:

• All we know about Northern Gateway Sports Park as it opens on Monday
• Paddy & Scott's coffee shop opening at Northern Gateway in Colchester
• The plans which will completely transform north of Colchester

Colchester Mayor Mr Davidson, added: “I am honoured to officially cut the ribbon and open the Northern Gateway Sports Park.

“During these difficult times health and wellbeing have never felt more important and the new facility will help the people of Colchester and visitors to lead healthier, happier lifestyles.”

The facility is part of a wider sport and leisure development at Northern Gateway which is being project managed to Colchester Amphora Trading, Colchester Council's arms-length firm.

It has been supported by funding from groups including British Cycling, Sport England, and from England and Wales Cricket Board.

The £29 million Northern Gateway Sports Park has opened today

Lauren Forrow, of British Cycling, said: “We are incredibly excited for the opening of this trailblazing project delivered as part of our Places to Ride programme.

"Its opening brings an invaluable opportunity to capture the increased interest in cycling throughout lockdown and enable so many more to take part in a safe and enjoyable environment.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about hiring the new sport facilities, starting a membership, or exploring the open green spaces which will be managed by the council, can visit colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/northerngatewaysportspark.