PLANS have been devised to make a road in Colchester town centre one-way to traffic.

The changes are planned as part of the creation of a new public square in the town centre.

Here is what we know about the proposals:

Essex County Council is consulting on proposals to make St Nicholas Street one way only, from its junction with Culver Street East and Long Wyre Street to its junction with High Street.

The move is being made in conjunction with the revamp of St Nicholas Square.

The We Are Colchester partnership has secured funding from the Government’s Towns Fund for the project, which is being led by Colchester Council.

A report from Essex Highways says the aim of the one-way system is to “enhance the public realm” and “minimise carriageway to create enhanced footways and space available for outdoor seating”.

Gazette:

It says the key aims of the project are:

  • Create a more pedestrian friendly environment, less dominated by car and delivery traffic
  • Create more outdoor seating space for cafés and restaurants to spill out
  • Create space for market stalls and events to happen n Ensure the space is accessible to all users

The report adds: “A number of councillors have been supportive of the scheme and the overall ambition to create a more pedestrian friendly and open square, which supports local businesses through the creation of more external seating areas, more space for markets and events, and increased footfall in the long term.”

St Nicholas Square revamp 

Gazette:

The revamped St Nicholas Square will bring al fresco dining to the town centre as well as providing a range of new open space.

Initial designs for the square, which is set to be complete this year, feature space for seating, market stalls and outdoor events.

Read more:

The pavements are set to be made wider with space for bars, cafés and restaurants in the area to have outside seating.

There will be more cycle parking and the whole of the area will be landscaped with a number of new trees planted.

One loading bay will be maintained with the rest set to go.

For years, councils have tried and failed to find a solution to creating more public space in Colchester town centre including attempts to part pedestrianise the High Street.

The new square would offer more public space just off the main road.

Other developments

Gazette:

Colchester’s old East of England Co-op department store, in Long Wyre Street, is undergoing a total revamp which will see five new restaurants, two shops and 24 apartments created.

Loungers has been confirmed as the operator of one of the new restaurants, the anchor site for the project.

The old home of Jack's hardware store is also set to revived so Other Monkeys Brewing can move in. 

How do I have my say on the plans?

Anyone who wishes to object to the one-way system, should email TrafficRegulation.Order@ essexhighways.org quoting reference TRAF/7506, by June 4.