Vineyard Gate earmarked for significant public open space

Architect firm We Made That has designed its landmark blueprints which will shape the future of the newly crowned city.

Its report, seen by the Gazette, has listed Vineyard Gate as one of the "key sites" that would benefit from public realm improvements.

The land is seen as a major opportunity due to the significant portion of Roman wall exposed there.

Blueprints - Vineyard Gate has been earmarked for major development (Image: Google)

It will complement a proposed all-new Roman Wall Park in the city centre which would use the historic fortification to promote walking routes.

The framework seeks to deliver public open space next to the wall at Vineyard Gate as part of this.

Read more about the city centre masterplan: Car ban could be extended across city and ring road created under new plans

A walking and cycling route through to Queen Street plus new homes and business spaces as infill in and around existing buildings are also suggested.

The report reads: “Currently the setting of the Roman wall is poor and improving this must be a priority for this site, as well as integrating a good quality walking and cycling route from east to west.

Earmarked - Vineyard Gate has been named a key site for development (Image: Google)

“The area traditionally had a tight knit grain of workshops around yards with living accommodation above and much of this character survives, albeit in a poor condition.

“Development should restore and enhance the best of this character through tight knit and carefully designed infill development.”

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It means plans for retail space at Vineyard Gate, which have been mooted since 2002, have officially been scrapped by the council.

At one point a £70 million town centre shopping precinct was expected to be constructed but it was dropped in 2017 due to the impact of Tollgate Village on footfall.

Business boss - Adam Fox

Colchester Council’s business boss Adam Fox said: “That area at Vineyard Gate has got a great piece of the Roman Wall there so we really want to make the most of that.

“That space is near what will be the transport hub so there is a real opportunity for us to invest and make that area a place where people gravitate to.”

The Colchester City Masterplan is set to go before councillors on Monday. 

Residents get to have their say on it after that.

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