Fit-out work is now officially underway for both Vue and Clip ‘n Climb at Colchester Leisure Park. The two major additions are transforming the area into a premier destination for families and thrill-seekers, bringing a variety of new activities and dozens of career opportunities to the local community.
Opening dates and job opportunities confirmed
Senior leaders at Vue have confirmed they are aiming for an opening this spring, providing residents with a state-of-the-art venue to enjoy the latest films, featuring Lux and Ultra Lux recliner seating, latest retail concept Vue Your Way, and EPIC by Vue in the largest screen. This new venue is set to create more than 50 new jobs, offering a wide range of opportunities for local people to join a major national brand right on their doorstep.
The team at Clip ‘n Climb has also started work on their new space, which is set to bring vibrant, high-energy fun to the city when it opens this April. The centre will be a significant source of local employment, creating between 25 and 30 jobs for people in the area. This includes six immediate full-time positions, with further senior roles expected to be created as the business becomes established in its new home.
What’s already taking shape across the area
A short walk from Colchester Leisure Park, the wider Northern Gateway continues to grow as the home of sport and active living in the city. Colchester Sports Park, with its pump track, cycle routes, fitness spaces and indoor facilities, sits alongside the community football stadium and David Lloyd health club. Together they create a lively centre for physical activity, wellbeing and community sport, welcoming residents of all ages.
A bigger vision coming to life
The activity you see on the ground today is part of a much broader ambition for Northern Gateway. The area is evolving into a modern neighbourhood that combines high quality leisure with new homes, possibilities for active living, business opportunities and spaces for families to enjoy. This is one of Colchester’s most significant opportunities for long term growth, attracting investment and supporting a thriving local economy. Plans for new affordable homes will help meet the needs of local people and create a balanced, sustainable community around these new facilities.
Connected by design
Northern Gateway’s location makes it easy to reach for residents and visitors across the region. Positioned directly on the A12, the site serves a much wider catchment while staying closely linked to the city centre. The Park & Ride service and new dedicated cycling and walking pathways offer simple, sustainable ways to travel into Colchester.
A place that’s moving forward
With new leisure venues, major sporting facilities, future homes and opportunities for business, Northern Gateway is becoming one of Colchester’s most exciting destinations. And there is much more still to come.
More announcements are expected as the wider development progresses, laying the foundations for the next chapter of Northern Gateway’s evolution.
Cllr Mark Cory, Portfolio Holder for Resources and Assets, said: “I’m genuinely excited to see the Northern Gateway coming to life. We are finally seeing the vision and potential of the site take place. Late Spring, we should see most venues at Colchester Leisure Park open and a raft of activities ready for residents. Knowing that more than 75 new jobs are being created for local people makes this progress even more meaningful. Residents have been asking for more to do close to home, and these new venues will give families plenty to look forward to. Northern Gateway is becoming a place we can all enjoy and find new things to do each time we visit.”