Work to improve Trinity Square is due to begin in Spring and is expected to be completed in Autumn 2026.
We want residents, businesses and visitors to know what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how the space will be managed throughout.
Trinity Square is a significant historic site – home to Colchester’s oldest surviving building and a much‑loved part of our city centre. The improvements are designed to restore the space, strengthen safety, support future community use and enhance the setting of Holy Trinity Church.
Bakers of Danbury have now been appointed as the contractor to deliver these works.
What’s happening – and why
The project will revive the former churchyard at Holy Trinity, bringing back a green space that has been closed to the public for decades. The works include landscape renovation, new and replacement railings and gates, and mechanical and electrical upgrades such as lighting and CCTV to support safety.
As well as restoring the former churchyard, the improvements will help the square play a role during future community events connected to Holy Trinity Church. Creating an inclusive atmosphere that brings the immediate area together and supports nearby businesses. An approach respectful of the history and setting, where heritage, community and the surrounding streets feel more connected.
The main churchyard will continue to be locked at dusk. Only a small, separate outer space will remain accessible, designed to allow the church to open directly onto the street and remove the sense of a barrier created by railings. This helps ensure the overall scheme feels more welcoming and accessible.
These arrangements have been developed with community safety partners, Historic England and others.
Security and safety – what residents have told us, and what we’re doing
We know concerns have been raised about anti‑social behaviour, including fears that changing the railings or access could increase problems. These concerns have helped shape the final design.
The project includes:
- Improved lighting
- CCTV coverage
- Continued dusk locking of the main churchyard
- A clearly defined small outer area for appropriate community use only
- Support from Essex Police and neighbouring businesses
Bringing closed‑off spaces back into positive use is recognised to improve pride and increase positive activity in the city centre. These changes are intended to ensure the area feels safe, well‑managed and better connected to surrounding streets - helping support footfall between Lion Walk and Culver Square.
Holy Trinity Church – where the wider project now stands
Roof repairs to Holy Trinity Church itself are now complete, and the stage funded by the UK Government has been successfully delivered. The wider heritage project is progressing, with work now focused on preparing the next major funding bid.
When the works will take place
Some drainage investigative works will begin this week which will help inform the projects timeline. The main improvement works to Holy Trinity Square are expected to run from Spring to Autumn 2026.
How the project is being funded
The Holy Trinity Square improvements are being delivered using government regeneration funding, part of investment that supports the renewal of key city centre spaces.
Part of a bigger picture
The restoration of Trinity Square sits within the wider City Centre Masterplan, which is bringing forward major projects to create a safer, greener and more vibrant city centre.
Expanding on the bigger picture, Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council and Chair of Team Colchester, said: “Trinity Church and Square are hidden gems, closed to the public. We are determined to secure their future, to make them accessible places to enjoy. By restoring the space, improving safety and supporting sensitive community use, we’re creating an oasis which strengthens the heart of the city centre. Providing a welcoming environment that benefits residents, visitors and local businesses for years to come.
“We’ll continue to share updates as the works progress and as the area begins to reopen for sensitive, well‑managed community use.”
To find out more about Colchester’s regeneration, visit: www.colchester.gov.uk/citycentre