What you need to know about £60m Stane Retail Park in Stanway

The first store at the new Stane Retail Park, located just off the Western Bypass near Tollgate, is set to open this October.

Works on the retail park have progressed rapidly since starting in September 2020, despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Here is what we know about the massive new development, which will bring about 300 jobs to the area:

Who is behind the plans?

Churchmanor Estates, who work across the east on commercial developments, are behind the proposals.

The firm also worked on the nearby Stane Leisure Park development, which is now home to brands like Nando's, KFC and Starbucks.

What stores are coming to the site?

Picture: Readie Construction

So far, three flagship brands have been announced to anchor the site.

B&Q will be moving into a brand new purpose built unit on site from its current Colchester home in Lightship Way, Hythe.

Aldi is also moving from its London Road store to the site.

The M&S Foodhall will be the first food only store from the brand in Colchester.

Several other units are also being created at the site.

Some of these are understood to be under offer by unknown tenants.

Read more:

• Work begins at £60m Stane Retail Park which will have B&Q, Aldi and M&S
• Our Colchester Business Improvement District objects to Tollgate Village

When will the retail park open?

B&Q is set to be the first store to open on the site, it has been revealed.

It will open this October.

This will be followed by Aldi opening in November, with the M&S Foodhall set to open "early in 2022".

Opening dates for the other units are yet to be announced.

What have people said about Stane Retail Park?

Emma Proctor King, head of communications for Churchmanor, said: “We are thrilled that despite the challenges of Covid we have been able to continue with the construction at Stane Retail Park.

"We hope that our new retail park together with the long overdue highway improvements we are committed to will mean a new and improved retail offer for the Stanway and Colchester communities.”

What other works have taken place?

Churchmanor is also spending £2.6 million on improvements to the Eight Ash Green A12 roundabout, where a four way traffic signal junction is set to be created.

The Western Bypass is being widened to two lanes as well.

What else is happening in Stanway?

Stanway has been growing rapidly for years.

As well as thousands of new homes huge new retail and leisure developments are also taking place.

As well as Stane Leisure Park and Stane Retail Park, the Tollgate Village development is currently going through the planning process.

The £65 million development will see new shops, restaurants, an eight-screen cinema, bowling alley, a 60-bed hotel and business units built in the area.

Where can I find out more about Stane Retail Park?

Visit www.stanepark.com.