Local café seeing less customers due to city road works

St Nicholas Square is set to be transformed as part of a £1.6million overhaul to provide space for bars, cafes and restaurants in the area to have outside seating. 

Roadworks started in Culver Street West in February and have since gone on to include fencing and blackout screens. 

Matt Brown, co-owner of Roots and Grooves, in St Nicholas Passage, said they had seen fewer customers since the works began. 

Unfortunate - Joint business owner, Matt Brown is 'saddened' by the affect on staff (Image: Halle Groves)

He opened the cafe alongside Karly Brown and Barry and Amy Briggs in January 2023.

“The road works are affecting us in the respect that we’ve had less channelling of passing trade," he said. 

“We’ve been down in revenue and we’re seeing less customers.

“The thing that’s saddened us is the effect the works have had on the hours we can offer our staff."

Closure - Road works began on Culver Street East, Colchester in February, aiming to pedestrianize the area (Image: Halle Groves)

The disruption was expected to be cleared by mid-September 2024, but delays have extended the end date to mid-November.

Mr Brown said: “We’ve known about the works since before we opened – it was actually one of the reasons we chose this spot.

“Once the works are completed, we will have more room to expand our outside seating.

“However, we’ve been slightly more impacted than some other businesses because the area that is currently cordoned off has been used for storage of equipment.

“You can’t see us over the works, especially since the black sheeting was put up."

Despite the disruption to business, all owners of Roots and Grooves café are in support of the long-term plan and look forward to creating more room for customers.

Ongoing - Roadworks began on Culver Street East, Colchester in February, aiming to pedestrianize the area (Image: Halle Groves)

Mr Brown added: “We see the potential. The whole area will be more of a commercial hub of eateries once it’s done.

“A market and food stalls will operate outside, although there will be additional it will bring additional people to this area and attract them to the café.

“We’re hoping we can then take advantage of the outside space in time for Christmas."

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “We greatly appreciate the patience of residents, visitors and businesses as much-needed reconstruction works are carried out in St Nicholas Square, which will benefit the whole shopping district once completed.

“We encourage people to get in touch with us directly at www.essexhighways.org/tell-us so we can look to resolve any potential issues.”

A Colchester Council spokesman added: "We're genuinely sorry to hear that Roots & Groove has experienced a decrease in passing trade since the commencement of the rejuvenation works at St Nicholas Square. We understand how vital foot traffic is for local businesses. 

"We’re encouraged by business excitement regarding the future proposals and the potential for expanded outdoor seating, which will undoubtedly help businesses in the area. 

"We are committed to progressing the project as swiftly as possible while ensuring that it meets the highest standards. Our goal is to create an environment that will benefit all local businesses, including Roots & Groove, once the works are completed."