Plans to transform and rejuvenate two public open spaces in Colchester

Award-winning Colchester architects, HAT Projects, have been appointed to undertake the preliminary design work for projects to transform two public spaces in the town.

The initial phase of an innovative new project to rejuvenate the two town centre open spaces has started in Colchester, and is managed by Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd, on behalf of Colchester Borough Council.

The areas that could see improvement are St. Nicholas Square and the Balkerne Gardens area around the Mercury Theatre.

These designs are intended to deliver a vision of how these areas could be improved in the future by making the public space area more attractive for residents and businesses, as well as visitors, and to encourage future investment.

Councillor Nick Barlow, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services said: “These changes will potentially make a real difference and will build on the excellent work done so far to make Colchester town centre a more welcoming and accessible place.

“Work on these two pedestrian areas will substantially improve the local environment, and help attract more footfall to businesses in the area.

“Working with a talented local architect such as HAT Projects is fantastic, and I am already very positive about the project outcome.”

Hana Loftus, director of HAT Projects said: “We are delighted to be working with CBC and all the organisations and businesses that border these two key public spaces, to collaboratively develop proposals that realise their full potential for the community. We are excited to be helping create two new focal points for the town centre, with the wide benefits these can bring.”

The initial work will explore how these spaces could be improved to enhance the town centre.

HAT Projects will be speaking to local businesses and organisations as well as consulting more widely to find out how best the spaces might look and feel to be of maximum benefit.

HAT Projects have previously worked on the award-winning Jerwood Gallery and public realm in Hastings as well as projects for the V&A and Science Museum.