All we know about £65m plans for Tollgate Village in Stanway

Enduring a chequered history, there have been bumps along the road.

Opposition to the original proposals for the development meant they were rejected by Colchester Council's planning committee in 2016.

However, the decision was overturned on appeal the following year.

Spades weren't yet in the ground and fresh plans for the development emerged this month.

A consultation has launched on the latest iteration of the proposals, which represents investment of about £65 million in Colchester.

The developer behind the plans, Tollgate Partnership Limited, says they will bring in £26 million to the local economy.

The latest plans state the development will be split into four development zones.

A raft of new CGI images have been released of the plans, although the developer insists these are just illustrative at this stages and plans may changes after the public constulation.

Here is what could form part of each zone:

Development Zone One - the old Sainsbury's site

CGI - how part of the £65 million Tollgate village development could look when complete. Picture: Corstorphine + Wright

Tollgate Partnership's latest plans will see 13,000 sqm of retail and leisure space added at the old Sainsbury's site.

There will be an eight-screen cinema, set to be run by The Light, as well as a ten-lane bowling alley.

About 2,000 sqm of restaurant and cafe space will also be created.

There will be pedestrian routes, public realm and landscaping improvements also implemented as well as electric vehicle charging points.

Development Zone Two - Tollgate Retail Park

CGI - how part of the £65 million Tollgate village development could look when complete. Picture: Corstorphine + Wright

The busy retail park, which is home to retailers like B&M and Hughes Electrical, is set to undergo a total revamp under the latest proposals for Tollgate Village.

An additional 1,858 sqm of retal floorspace will be added whilst the existing units will be revamped with new shop fronts.

The car park will be reconfigures and landscaping will be provided.

Development Zones Three and Four

CGI - how part of the £65 million Tollgate village development could look when complete. Picture: Corstorphine + Wright

These areas will be "employment focused".

This will see 11,500 sqm of employment floorspace created with three state-of-the-art office buildings, positioned around a small central park.

There will be smaller units providing flexible business space as well as a 60-bed hotel.

The area will be linked with the wider development as well as with the nearby Lakelands estate.

There will also be parking and electric vehicle bays.

Sustainable and active travel focus

Tollgate Village new. Picture: Corstorphine + Wright

Tollgate Partnership says the development will deliver substantial sustainable travel options including cycling parking spaces.

New pedestrian and cycling routes including new crossings.

A new travel plan to reduce car journeys and encourage use of sustainable options.

A range of parking options including for disabled spaces, motorcycle spaces and those for electric vehicles.

Read more:

• New plans for Tollgate Village in Stanway are unveiled
• The Light to open multi-screen cinema at Tollgate Village
• The five major projects that will change the face of the Colchester area

What does the website say about the plans?

CGI - how part of the £65 million Tollgate village development could look when complete. Picture: Corstorphine + Wright

It says: "The proposals aim to provide a new chapter for Tollgate Village.

"They will deliver new retail, leisure and employment facilities to complement the wider objectives of the Stanway Growth Area and create a heart for the expanding community.

"The proposals will represent a £65 million investment in Stanway which are will generate a number of significant benefits to the local jobs market, including up to 480 construction jobs and over 880 jobs within the development.

"The local economy will be boosted further by the improved facilities encouraging the local community to spend at a regenerated Tollgate Village, rather than to travel out of the Borough to shop in competing shopping destinations elsewhere.

"The type of employment development proposed will represent major investment in the local economy and will particularly support smaller businesses. The southern part of the site will deliver important affordable spaces, suitable for small and medium enterprises and start-up companies.

"The scheme will bring forward sustainable development on previously developed land which is well served by public transport and will be enhanced through comprehensive high quality landscape and public realm proposals."

What about the consultation?

A public consultation has now launched and residents are invited to have their say until May 18.

Two online webinars will take place on Tuesday at 2pm and 6pm to give residents a closer look at the plans.

Jayne Gee and Daniel Watts, directors of the family-run Tollgate Partnership Limited, said: “We really want to know what people think of our plans.

"On the website, we include details of how everyone can get in touch with us with questions and comments, and also submit feedback on the proposals for us to consider, ahead of finalising our planning application.

“As Covid-19 restrictions mean we are unable to hold a traditional public exhibition of our proposals, we are holding two online webinars on Tuesday May 4, and invite everyone who is interested in the proposals to join a session at 2-4pm or 6-8pm. Details of how to join can be found at www.TollgateVillage.uk”

Where can I find out more?

Visit www.TollgateVillage.uk.