Colchester City Council is working with the owners of Priory Walk to address concerns raised by residents and businesses about cleanliness, maintenance and anti-social behaviour in the area and has been in contact with the site's owners and managing agents.
Priory Walk is a key pedestrian route linking the city centre with Sainsbury's, as well as a variety of independent businesses, services and amenities. It is used throughout the day by residents, visitors and local businesses, making it an important part of the city's movement network.
Concerns raised with the council include litter, bird fouling, the condition of street furniture, and rough sleeping and street drinking in the area.
While Priory Walk is privately owned and managed, the council has made clear its expectation that the area should be maintained to a standard that reflects its prominent position within the city centre.
Seeking improvements
The council has reminded the owners of their responsibilities, offering to help where it can, and is seeking further discussions to secure lasting improvements.
The council is also delivering letters and speaking with businesses in Priory Walk to discuss the importance of maintaining shop frontages and the role they can all play in enhancing the area.
With the support and permission of Priory Walk management, the council is exploring the possibility of holding a community Day of Action and would welcome the involvement of local businesses and volunteers to help clean and improve the area.
The initiative is intended to bring stakeholders together to improve the overall appearance and standards of Priory Walk, creating a more attractive environment for businesses, visitors and customers alike.
The council is committed to doing everything it can to support this effort and is asking businesses to work alongside it so that, together, the best possible outcomes can be achieved for the area.
Shopkeepers who would like to express an interest in participating in or supporting the proposed Day of Action are encouraged to contact the council.
Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Local Government Reorganisation, Communities and Public Protection, said: “We understand why residents are concerned about the condition of Priory Walk and share their desire to see improvements.
“Although the site is privately owned, we have made clear that improvements are needed.
“Our preference is always to work constructively with landowners, businesses and partners to resolve issues, and we will continue to explore the options available to us if progress is not made.
“Priory Walk sits within an area that is seeing significant investment and positive change, including the regeneration of St Nicholas Square and plans to bring forward opportunities around St Botolph's. We want that momentum to continue, with public and private sector partners working together to make this part of the city centre more welcoming, attractive and better able to support businesses, residents and visitors.”
Supporting a stronger city centre
Priory Walk forms part of a wider area benefiting from investment and regeneration aimed at improving how people move through and experience the city centre. This includes recent improvements around St Nicholas Square and plans to bring forward opportunities in the St Botolph's area, supporting a more attractive environment for residents, visitors and businesses.
Recent planning permissions have also been granted for redevelopment within and around Priory Walk, including mixed-use schemes providing new homes and commercial units on Long Wyre Street, Queen Street and Priory Walk. These applications have come forward separately over recent years, reflecting continuing interest in bringing forward improvements and new uses in this part of the city centre.
Together, these projects form part of wider efforts to improve key routes, public spaces and connections across the city centre, helping to build confidence, encourage further investment and support increased footfall.
The council will continue to work with partners, landowners, businesses and local communities to encourage improvements across this part of the city.
Residents or visitors who experience antisocial behaviour should continue to report incidents through the appropriate channels so that action can be taken where necessary.