If you use Britannia Car Park, you’ll notice a change from 20 July 2026, as we take the next step in improving this part of the city centre.
Ninety-two spaces at the western end of the car park will be temporarily closed for up to seven weeks while essential archaeological investigations are carried out ahead of the St Botolph’s Quarter redevelopment. This important early stage of the project will help build a clearer understanding of what lies beneath the site and inform future plans before redevelopment begins.
Colchester has over 2,000 years of history beneath its streets, so there’s always the chance that something could be uncovered. The work has been carefully planned with Historic England, and if anything is discovered, we’ll make sure to share it with you.
We’re working closely with Colchester Archaeological Trust, who will be on site throughout. While the work is expected to take up to seven weeks, we’ll complete it as quickly and safely as we can to reduce disruption.
Will Britannia Car Park reopen?
Yes. Once the archaeological work is finished, the car park will fully reopen before any construction work begins. This is a temporary step as we prepare for the wider transformation of the area, and we want to be clear about what’s happening and what it means for you.
What is St Botolph’s Quarter?
This will be a new public space that makes the most of St Botolph’s Priory, providing a welcoming route from the train station to Firstsite and Colchester Castle. It is an opportunity to reshape an important part of the city centre into somewhere people will want to spend time – whether that's attending events, enjoying markets or simply passing through. It will create a better first impression of Colchester and make it easier to move through and enjoy the city.
Expanding on what this means for the Priory, Cllr David King, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Public Protection, said: “St Botolph’s Priory is one of Colchester’s most remarkable historic assets. Dating back to the 1100s, its Norman architecture and the layers of history within its walls tell the story of our city – from its origins through to the Civil War. However, the surrounding area and access to the Priory have been neglected, making it difficult to fully experience everything it has to offer.
“Through this project, we’re changing that. By improving footways, introducing clearer wayfinding and adding sensitive lighting, we’re making the Priory easier to reach, safer to explore and more inviting at any time of day. We’re giving St Botolph’s Priory the attention it deserves, so it can once again become a place people are drawn to – a destination in which we can take pride and that residents and visitors can enjoy.”
Parking across the city
We know changes to parking matter, and any loss of spaces will concern residents. When St John’s Car Park recently closed temporarily for improvements, the city lost 645 spaces – nearly twice the number available at Britannia. Even so, the city centre continued to function normally, with steady footfall and events running as planned. That gives us confidence that the city can continue to operate smoothly during the works to create St Botolph’s Quarter.
The council remains committed to ensuring there is a variety of places to park across the city. We have recently invested more than £1 million in improvements to St John’s and St Mary’s car parks, including structural repairs, brighter lighting, improved access, clearer signage and resurfacing – and we will continue to invest in making parking easier and safer to use.
Part of a bigger picture
The creation of St Botolph’s Quarter is expected to be complete by the end of 2027 and is part of a wider programme of improvements across the city centre, delivered by Team Colchester and We Are Colchester with government investment. This includes improvements at St Botolph’s Circus, the restoration of Jumbo, the new Digital Forum and upgrades to public spaces. Together, these projects reflect public consultation and will help create a city centre that feels more welcoming, more connected and ready for the future.
Find out more: www.colchester.gov.uk/citycentre
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