A MULTI-MILLION pound leisure development in Colchester is continuing to make “good progress” and nearing completion despite previous delays.

The Northern Gateway Leisure Park, situated just off the A12 near Colchester United's football stadium, was due to be finished in autumn last year.

Due to the building programme becoming “out of sync”, however, it was pushed back to summer this year by developers Turnstone Estates. 

Once complete the £65 million project, which kick-started in early 2022, will be home to everything from a Travelodge and a Kaspa's to a cinema and Starbucks. 

Greggs and Wendy's have already opened restaurants at the site, and updates have now been given on when the park's other brands will be welcoming in customers. 

Slim Chickens and The Hollywood Bowl, for example, works on which started in January, should be open to guests by “late spring 2024”.

Gazette: Entrance - one of the entrances onto the siteEntrance - one of the entrances onto the site (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Units - side view of the building set for new restaurant openingsUnits - side view of the building set for new restaurant openings (Image: NQ)

The bowling centre is set to have 27 bowling lanes and a range of amusement arcades.

The Travelodge hotel at Unit 12 is also edging ever closer to being finished, and is set to open to those looking to rest their heads this May.

Gazette: Progress - outside Travelodge which is close to openingProgress - outside Travelodge which is close to opening (Image: NQ)

Gazette: Listed - all the businesses which will be based on the siteListed - all the businesses which will be based on the site (Image: NQ)

Other businesses which are also set to open at the site include Kervan Kitchen, El Guaca Mexican restaurant, Kaspa’s desserts, Joyato sushi and grill, buffet company Nines and Taste of Italy.

A 12-screen Cineworld with a Starbucks concession is also set to open at the site, with an opening date yet to be confirmed as Turnstone Estates “await confirmation from Cineworld”.

There will also be 750 car parking bays, while a new sign showing the list of businesses set for the site has now been installed in Via Urbis Romanae.

Gazette: Development - works in progress on the siteDevelopment - works in progress on the site (Image: NQ)

Gazette: Parking - 750 space car park near completionParking - 750 space car park near completion (Image: Newsquest)
A spokesman for Turnstone Estates said: “Colchester Northern Gateway Leisure Park is making good progress.

Gazette: Building - works are ongoingBuilding - works are ongoing (Image: Credited)

Gazette: Works - good progress is being madeWorks - good progress is being made (Image: NQ)

“Greggs, Wendy's and the Fastned EV charging station are already open for business and are reportedly trading well.

“Restaurant Slim Chickens and the 20-lane Hollywood Bowl are now fitting out their premises, with other restaurants due to start work shortly. The Travelodge hotel is close to completion and is set to open this May.”