Rural communities across Colchester are continuing to feel the benefits of more than £600,000 of investment delivered since 2023 through the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). The funding has helped local organisations, families and small businesses turn their ideas into improvements that are strengthening village life and supporting people across the city.
A growing Colchester, shaped by strong local businesses
This investment comes at a time when Colchester’s economy continues to perform strongly. “New figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the Colchester constituency generated £4.1 billion in economic output in 2023, growing faster than both the East of England and UK averages. Since 1998, Colchester’s Gross Value Added (GVA) has risen by 196%, reflecting the resilience and ambition that underpin the area’s 3,600 local businesses – ranging from construction firms and technical specialists to hospitality, health, creative enterprises and long‑standing rural family ventures.
As the city becomes more diverse and continues to grow – its population increasing by 14% between the 2011 and 2021 censuses – the Rural England Prosperity Fund has helped fund 33 projects to help rural communities have the facilities and opportunities they need.
Supporting local families and working parents
In Peldon, REPF funding enabled Little Doves Nursery to expand its building and offer more places for local families. With demand for childcare rising as more people move into the area and return to work, the project has made a real difference.
Nursery Owner and Manager Laura Auger said: “We had families on waiting lists for months, so this funding came at a crucial time. It allowed us to expand our indoor and outdoor learning spaces and open a dedicated baby and toddler room, improving the quality of care and supporting children’s development. We’ve been able to welcome more children from Peldon and surrounding areas, create new local jobs and give parents the flexibility they need to return to work. Demand remains high, with a waiting list in place, and the additional space has also enabled us to offer a small holiday club.”
Improving accessibility and opening new experiences
On Mersea Island, Freedom Boat Adventures used REPF support to launch a fully accessible boat – the first of its kind in the South East. The project has opened the coastline to people who previously couldn’t enjoy the water.
Founder Paul Button said: “Launching this spring, our fully accessible boat will help more people experience the sea for the very first time, and we believe it will be incredibly moving for families, carers and volunteers. The funding has helped us take a major step forward in making Mersea’s beautiful coastline more inclusive, opening opportunities for people who previously couldn’t enjoy being out on the water.”
A shared commitment to rural Colchester
These projects, along with many others across the city, show how targeted rural investment is supporting village life, boosting the local economy and improving everyday experiences for residents.
Cllr Chris Pearson, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Transformation, said: “Colchester’s economy is thriving, but it’s essential that growth benefits every part of our city. The Rural England Prosperity Fund has helped us support brilliant local organisations, from nurseries and charities to small businesses, who are at the heart of our villages. These grants are improving quality of life, supporting jobs and making rural Colchester an even better place to live.”
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “Colchester’s rural communities are an essential part of who we are, and it’s vital that they share fully in the opportunities our growing city creates. The Rural England Prosperity Fund is helping us do exactly that – supporting local families, strengthening village facilities and backing the small businesses that give our countryside its unique character.
As Colchester continues to expand and welcome new residents, the council remains committed to helping rural communities.