Major city centre regeneration project underway
Transformation of St Botolph’s Circus to begin following appointment of contractor.
A major milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Colchester City Centre has been reached, with works on the £15.2 million redevelopment of St Botolph’s Circus set to begin.
Part of a successful government funding bid, the project will see the St Botolph’s Circus area transformed, making it safer, more accessible and creating a better environment for those travelling through it.
Jackson Civil Engineering has now been appointed to lead on building the scheme, one of the largest projects to take place in the city centre, following a detailed tender process. The decision is subject to a call-in period.
Works are expected to take about 18 months and are scheduled to be completed in Autumn 2027.
Following initial set-up activity, main construction is expected to start in April 2026, bringing to life plans to modernise the area, enhance accessibility and improve travel for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike.
The scheme will see existing underpasses removed and new crossing points created, improving safety and better connecting those crossing Southway into the city centre.
Councillor David King, Chair of Team Colchester and Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “This is a key moment in the regeneration of the city centre. Awarding the tender means we can move forward with confidence and get this important scheme underway, working with a contractor which has a proven track record of delivery.
“St Botolph’s is a vital gateway into the city centre, and its transformation will not only improve connectivity but create a welcoming, vibrant space for everyone who lives in, works in, or visits our city.
“Overall, the project is part of a bold vision to regenerate the city centre and ensure Colchester is ready for the future.”
Councillor Kevin Bentley, Co-Chair of Team Colchester and Leader of Essex County Council, added: “Colchester is evolving and continues to grow. By working to gain investment in our city centre, we are shaping the latest chapter in Colchester’s rich 2,000 year history, and taking on responsibility for change as our forebears have done dating back to the Romans.
"We have a huge number of people travelling through St Botolph’s, and as a meeting point of cars, cyclists, train and bus users and pedestrians, it is an important gateway into the city centre and an area that needs to work for everyone, offering a safe, accessible and pleasant environment."
The redevelopment of St Botolph’s Circus is a key part of the Colchester City Centre Masterplan - a cross-party regeneration programme delivered by Team Colchester, We Are Colchester and funded through government investment.
From the transformation of St Nicholas Square, now a thriving space hosting markets and events, to the opening of the new Digital Forum this month, progress is accelerating.
With over 15 major projects underway, including St Botolph’s Quarter, the restoration of Jumbo and future work to progress a new bus station interchange, the masterplan will help unlock millions in investment, boost culture and tourism and create a vibrant, inclusive city centre fit for the future.
To discover more about St Botolph’s Circus and Colchester’s transformation, visit: www.colchester.gov.uk/citycentre