Colchester Castle could become a charity under council plans

Colchester Council documents reveal the authority is exploring starting a new “independent organisation, charitable trust, community interest company, or similar”.

The move could see council-run museums, which also include Hollytrees Museum and the Natural History Museum, spun off into their own entity.

The three sites are currently part of Colchester and Ipswich Museums, a joint venture between Colchester Council and Ipswich Council.

Plans - Hollytrees Museum in Castle Park is also included in the proposals to set up a new organisation for Colchester's museums (Image: Robert Lamb)

Colchester Council’s scrutiny panel is set to review the plans at a meeting on Monday.

Council documents say the authority will undertake due planning and engagement with “appropriate specialists” to avoid reputational damage and a breakdown of its relationship with Ipswich Council.

It’s been suggested the proposed move could save the council £120,000 in the 2025-26 financial year.

“It is not anticipated that the model of museum delivery will impact the service,” the council says.

Are there any alternatives?

An alternative which will be explored is utilising a cultural VAT exemption on Colchester Castle admission fees, which would bring similar savings but create wider tax implications for the authority.

Other popular attractions in the city are already set to become charities.

Last year, Colchester Zoo confirmed it will become a charitable trust known as the Colchester Zoological Society from 2025.

Popular - Colchester Zoo is becoming a charitable trust next year (Image: Newsquest)

The name change was unveiled as part of the zoo’s huge expansion plan, revealed as the Maldon Road attraction prepared to celebrate its 60th anniversary last year.

In November last year, Anne and Jason Khan, owners of the beloved Rollerworld skating rink which closed in 2022, announced they had set up the Rollerworld Foundation.

The organisation promotes participation in skating sports across the city and aims to safeguard the future of the Rollerworld brand and what it stands for.

Speaking at the time, Anne said: “We didn’t have the money to rebuild Rollerworld the way we wanted to, as it was so amazing.

“So we wanted to set Rollerworld in stone for the community - it will be owned and run by the community, and it will never be in danger again.”

The rink in Moorside was a staple in the city for 32 years.