3. Vision and Objectives

The following Vision sets out where we want to be in 2021. The Vision distils feedback from consultation into ambitious aspirations for Colchester to become a sustainable and prestigious regional centre. The objectives that follow address to the issues, opportunities and problems faced by the Borough.

3.1 Spatial Vision

By 2021, Colchester will be a prestigious regional centre. The historic Town Centre will be the cultural and economic heart of the borough, surrounded by thriving suburbs, villages and countryside. New cultural, retail, office and mixed use developments will be delivered through regeneration of the Town Centre and its fringe. Urban Gateways to the Town Centre will be regenerated to present attractive entry points to Colchester and stimulate sustainable development. Key community facilities will be delivered and expanded, including the University of Essex, Visual Arts Facilities, General Hospital, Colchester Institute, and Community Stadium.

The focus of new development will be on Colchester Town and Stanway. Sustainable and inclusive communities will be created through regeneration in the north, east and south, and sustainable urban extensions to the north and south-west of town. These developments will deliver affordable housing, employment, open space, and community facilities and will achieve a high standard of sustainable design and construction. New and existing communities will be supported by a network of district and local centres which will provide local residents with easy access to shopping, employment and services. Public transport, walking and cycling links will be improved to better connect residents with local and regional destinations.

Tiptree, Wivenhoe and West Mersea will be key district settlements that provide essential services and facilities to their rural hinterland. The historic character and distinctiveness of these settlements and other villages will be protected and enhanced.

The natural environment, countryside and coastline will be conserved and enhanced and strategic green spaces will be secured to meet the recreational and health needs of Colchester. Sustainable development will also help protect the biodiversity, cultural and amenity value of the countryside and coast and will minimise use of scarce natural resources.

3.2 Objectives

Sustainable Development

Focus new development at sustainable locations to support existing communities, local businesses, sustainable transport and promote urban regeneration to protect greenfield land.

Provide the necessary community facilities and infrastructure to support new and existing communities.
Provide excellent and accessible health, education, culture and leisure facilities to meet the needs of Colchester’s growing community.

Promote active and healthy lifestyles and strive for excellence in education and culture.

Reduce the Borough’s carbon footprint and respond to the effects of climate change.

Centres and Employment

Create a prestigious regional centre and a vibrant network of district and local centres that stimulate economic activity and provide residents’ needs at accessible locations.

Provide for a balance of new homes and jobs to support economic prosperity of our growing community and reduce the need to travel outside the Borough for employment.

Support and promote the growth of tourism.

Housing

Provide high quality and affordable housing at accessible locations to accommodate our growing community.

Provide a range of different types of new housing to meet the diverse needs of the whole community.

Urban Renaissance

Revitalise rundown areas and create inclusive and sustainable new communities.

Promote high quality design and sustain Colchester’s historic character, found in its buildings, townscape and archaeology.

Public Realm

Improve streetscapes, open spaces and green links to provide attractive and accessible spaces for residents to live, work and play.

Accessibility and Transportation

Focus development at accessible locations which support public transport, walking and cycling, and reduce the need to travel.

Develop Colchester as a Regional Transport Node, improving transport connections and gateways within the Borough and to the wider region.
Provide excellent public transportation, walking and cycling connections between centres, communities and their needs.

Improve the strategic road network and manage traffic and parking demand.

Environment and Rural Communities

Protect and enhance Colchester’s natural and historic environment, countryside and coastline.

Support appropriate local employment and housing development in villages and rural communities.

Energy, Resources, Recycling and Waste

Encourage renewable energy and the efficient use of scarce resources.

Reduce, reuse and recycle waste.

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