MAJOR plans to overhaul a neglected area of Colchester have been branded both “good news” and a “colossal waste of public money”.
Blueprints unveiled by Colchester Council show a renewed desire to regenerate St Botolph’s roundabout and its surrounding areas.
The main bulk of a £19.66 million windfall from the Government’s Levelling-Up Fund will be used on the ambitious project.
Questions, however, have been raised over whether grand plans to rejuvenate the site will ever actually materialise.
READ MORE: 'Left behind' area of Colchester to undergo makeover after city secures £19.6m grant
In the past, despite the best intentions to transform the site, council bosses have encountered problems due to the fragmented ownership of the land.
Although pleased Colchester has been awarded a multi-million grant, High Steward Sir Bob Russell is also concerned about the environmental impact the scheme poses.
“The proposals for St Botolph’s are a complete and colossal waste of public money and will destroy a green oasis within the circus roundabout,” he said.
“Any investment is welcomed but not when it is wasted and does not really achieve anything – this will replace greenery and trees with tarmac.
“The headline is good news but when you start looking at what it will be spent on it becomes an environment outrage.
“It will do very little to help traffic in the area and I am concerned the environmental consequences will be negative rather than positive.”
Colchester resident Tasmin Morgan is also apprehensive about how the funding will be spent.
She said: “I do hope the money is spent wisely. People need to be proud again that this is where they live.”
Lesley Wagland, Essex councillor responsible for economic renewal, infrastructure and planning, however, feels the project will boost the city centre.
She said: "It will help make more of its unique heritage assets and enhancing the city centre for residents and visitors alike.
“Essex County Council is committed to our own Levelling Up Strategy, in which Colchester is one of our six priority areas.
"We look forward to working with Colchester Council to bring these plans to fruition.”
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