After years of planning and development, the transformation of Holy Trinity Church has reached a major milestone with the award of £2.65m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
This significant investment is part of a wider £3.4m programme that will bring us closer to returning the building to public use and securing its future at the heart of Colchester. It will create a vibrant space that celebrates the building’s heritage while supporting culture and community life.
A historic building with a new purpose
The historic Holy Trinity Church, including its Saxon tower - Colchester’s oldest standing building - is one of the city’s most distinctive and well-loved historic assets. Despite its significance, it has been largely closed and underused for decades.
The historic Holy Trinity Church, including its Saxon tower - Colchester’s oldest standing building - is one of the city’s most distinctive and well-loved historic assets. Despite its significance, it has been largely closed and underused for decades.
This funding, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, allows us to move forward with the new phase of work to restore the church and bring it back into sustainable, everyday use as a welcoming and flexible community space.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has supported the project in recognition of the building’s historic importance and its potential to deliver lasting public benefit for the city.
The project is supported by a wider funding package from partners including Historic England, The Pilgrim Trust, Essex Heritage Trust, Community Assets Fund and Section 106 contributions, with further contributions being sought to support delivery.
Building on progress at Trinity Square
Cllr Paul Dundas said: "The improvements at Trinity Square are already helping to transform this part of the city centre. Local businesses have described it as an oasis of greenery in the heart of Colchester and, with new paths, seating and lighting, it will become an even more welcoming public space.
Cllr Paul Dundas said: "The improvements at Trinity Square are already helping to transform this part of the city centre. Local businesses have described it as an oasis of greenery in the heart of Colchester and, with new paths, seating and lighting, it will become an even more welcoming public space.
"Together with the restoration of Holy Trinity Church, we're investing in a place where people can spend time, connect with the city's heritage and enjoy everything the city centre has to offer."
What happens next
We’ll now move into detailed design work and appoint a contractor to deliver the restoration. We will share details on timelines, construction and opening dates as the project progresses.
We’ll now move into detailed design work and appoint a contractor to deliver the restoration. We will share details on timelines, construction and opening dates as the project progresses.
Cllr David King, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Public Protection, said: "There’s a real positive sense of improvement across the city centre. This project, by location and prominence, is key to our city’s visible and welcoming regeneration. We will share key dates as soon as we’re able, working towards renewal and re-opening in the second half of 2028."
A space shaped for the community
The approach to running the building is being developed with Amphora, alongside a range of cultural and community partners.
The approach to running the building is being developed with Amphora, alongside a range of cultural and community partners.
They have a clear vision for the church, focusing on celebrating the building’s heritage while supporting cultural activity, bringing people together and playing a meaningful role in the day-to-day life of the city centre.
Cllr Venessa Moffat, Chair of Amphora Commercial Holdings Ltd., said: “We’re delighted to see Holy Trinity Church secure funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players. As Amphora prepares to take on the role of operator, we see this remarkable building as an important part of Colchester’s story - rich in history and heritage.
“This funding allows us to preserve that history while creating a vibrant and flexible space for the community that reflects the city today, supports cultural activity and brings people together - a fantastic example of how heritage investment can deliver real social value, and one we’re proud to play a role in shaping.”
Part of a bigger picture
The regeneration of Holy Trinity Church is part of the wider City Centre Masterplan, which is bringing forward investment to create a safer, greener and more vibrant city centre.
The regeneration of Holy Trinity Church is part of the wider City Centre Masterplan, which is bringing forward investment to create a safer, greener and more vibrant city centre.
Expanding on the bigger picture, Simon Blaxill, Chair of We Are Colchester, said: “Holy Trinity Church is a hidden gem at the heart of our city, and I’m delighted that it will soon become a welcoming and vibrant space for residents, businesses and visitors.
“Colchester is transforming. From St Nicholas Square and the Digital Forum to the upcoming St Botolph’s schemes, the Jumbo restoration and the reopening of the former M&S building, regeneration is no longer an aspiration - it’s happening. These improvements show the momentum building across our city centre and the confidence we have in its future.”