Buses are set to return to Painters Yard as plans are unveiled for a new transport interchange on part of the old bus station site.
Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to help shape plans for a new Bus Station Interchange in Colchester, with a major public consultation launching today, 28 September.
For the first time, residents can view artist impressions showing how a future transport interchange at Painters Yard could look.
Developed by Team Colchester, the partnership between Essex County Council and Colchester City Council, the proposals aim to improve public transport provision in the city centre, support future growth and continue the regeneration of east Colchester.
The emerging plans would transform the vacant Painters Yard site, alongside Curzon Cinema and behind Firstsite, into a modern transport hub that reconnects the area with the wider city centre.
When the former bus station and depot closed, the creation of Firstsite helped transform part of the site. Wider aspirations existed for the remaining land, and although those plans did not come forward, the city has continued to grow and demand for bus services has increased significantly.
The consultation provides an opportunity to consider how Painters Yard can once again play a central role in Colchester's transport network.
Presenting two early layout concepts, both options provide significantly more transport capacity and a step change in passenger facilities, while creating opportunities for public spaces, landscaping and connections to Colchester's cultural and heritage attractions.
Cllr Jeff Bray, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Heritage at Essex County Council said: "This is an exciting opportunity for Colchester and a chance to bring back to life a space that is underused. The next steps will see the proposals refined and a business case developed for funding, and it is important that local people help shape that process. Whether you use local bus services regularly, travel through the city centre or simply care about Colchester's future, we encourage everyone to take a look at the proposals and share their views.
“The feedback we receive will help to refine the proposals in more detail and help us on the journey to delivering a new facility that Colchester can be proud of.”
Cllr David King, Deputy Leader of Colchester City Council and Chair of Team Colchester, said: "This is about supporting bus travel and passengers. More than that, it’s an opportunity to transform a long-vacant brownfield site into a welcoming gateway that reflects the confidence and ambition we have for Colchester, linking public transport with our heritage, culture and city centre."
Residents will be able to take part online, view artist impressions and future visualisations, and attend a number of engagement events across the city during the consultation period.
Painters Yard was identified as the preferred location following a detailed assessment of a number of potential city centre sites. It offers the space required to accommodate future demand, works best operationally for buses and provides the most cost-effective solution.
Cllr Paul Dundas, Leader of Colchester City Council, added: “When we started Team Colchester in 2022 one of the main motivations for doing so was to deliver a new bus station. These things take time, but I am delighted that today we reach a major milestone in delivering the bus station the city needs and deserves.
"Many people will remember the former bus station and depot on the site and will have experienced the challenges we face with Osborne Street, so it is critical that we get this right.
“This consultation marks the start of what I see as the next phase of Colchester's regeneration, connecting transport improvements with heritage, culture and economic growth. Before we move forward, we want local people to help shape that vision.
Residents can find out more, view the proposals and take part in the consultation at: www.essexhighways.org/colchester-bus-interchange