The prospect of Colchester’s Northern Gateway Leisure Park has created plenty of buzz and excitement, even if its grand opening is over a year away.

Set to open in autumn next year, the £65 million complex will be a stone’s throw from Colchester United’s ground.

But now that we know that it’s going ahead, as well as just how much money is going to be ploughed into development, the next question is what exactly the leisure park will offer when it opens in 18 months’ time.

Given that it’s going to cost £65 million, the answer, predictably, is lots.

Here is a round-up of what it will feature.

Cineworld

The 12-screen cinema is arguably going to be the jewel in the crown at the Northern Gateway Leisure Park. The company was given a much-needed boost following the release of the latest Spider-Man film last month.

Gazette: On-screen – the Cineworld will add to the Odeon cinema already in ColchesterOn-screen – the Cineworld will add to the Odeon cinema already in Colchester

Wendy’s

The American fast-food restaurant will be welcomed by burger-lovers in Colchester, with the nearest chain currently as far away as Romford. It will also have a drive-thru for those who prefer to have a meal behind the wheel.

Gregg’s

The fast-food outlet and high street favourite will also have a drive-thru on the site, adding to the four chains already scattered around Colchester.

Kervan Kitchen

Offering authentic Turkish cuisine, Kervan Kitchen was the latest big name to announce it will be joining the Northern Gateway Leisure Park. The company was established as recently as 2018.

Gazette: New – Kervan Kitchen was the latest business to announce it was joining the Leisure ParkNew – Kervan Kitchen was the latest business to announce it was joining the Leisure Park

Fastned

Fastned, which operates EV charging stations, has struck an agreement to provide eight high-power electric vehicle charging bays as the Leisure Park looks to stay as clean as possible.

Travelodge

There will be a 90-room Travelodge on site, which the company’s UK development director Tony O’Brien said he was “delighted to be part of.”

Hollywood Bowl and Puttstars

The Hollywood Bowl Group will be opening both a bowling alley and a mini-golf arena as part of the complex, as well as a raft of amusement arcades.

Gazette: On a roll – Hollywood Bowl will also be opening a mini-golf centre at the Northern Gateway Leisure ParkOn a roll – Hollywood Bowl will also be opening a mini-golf centre at the Northern Gateway Leisure Park

Jump Street

The trampoline park will be the second to open in Colchester, with one already based just off Cowdray Avenue.