THE deputy chairman of the East of England Development Agency has paid a visit to see work in progress on the new road which will open up access to new employment areas in north Colchester, including the site of the new Colchester Community Stadium.

THE deputy chairman of the East of England Development Agency has paid a visit to see work in progress on the new road which will open up access to new employment areas in north Colchester, including the site of the new Colchester Community Stadium.

EEDA has put £1million towards the stadium project which will directly create 40 additional jobs, on top of the 20 at Colchester United FC's existing home in Layer Road, and is expected to lead to a further 45 to 60 jobs in the local economy.

The stadium is also intended act as a catalyst for regeneration and development of the surrounding employment land which could support up to 3,500 new jobs alongside the construction of a new community of 1,500 homes.

George Kieffer, deputy chair of EEDA, said: “The Colchester Community Stadium is a good example of how EEDA and our partners are taking a holistic approach to helping to plan 'places for people' where we think they will be needed in the future, consulting with residents and businesses so we know what businesses and communities need to grow.

“This means working with the private and public sectors to encourage business growth - such as the 'incubation' unit on the business park - and to provide jobs and homes.

“But this philosophy also means places where people can spend their leisure time, such as the firstsite:newsite visual arts centre which we are supporting financially with our partners such as the Arts Council and the borough and county council.

“We are heavily involved in the regeneration of Colchester and the surrounding area to help drive forward the creation of the thousands of jobs that will be needed over the next 15 years to support major growth. It is one of the Government's designated 'Growth Points', a bid which we supported and continue to support because we see the potential of the town.”

As part of a land deal with Colchester Borough Council, London-based developer Easter Group is developing 195,000 sq ft of small to medium-sized high quality industrial units and a further section of road which will continue the road outside the new Flakt Woods building to the new community Stadium.

Brian Jarvis, Colchester Borough Council's portfolio holder for planning and regeneration, said: “I am delighted at the progress we are able to show George Kieffer here in north Colchester.

“Without the support of EEDA, who awarded us a grant of £1 million to deliver the Colchester Community Stadium and our other partners this development would not have been possible. Given the strong partnership that has been forged it was encouraging to learn that EEDA would look to back our efforts to get the A12 junction delivered as soon as possible.”

Easter director James Dipple added: “Timing of the development is ideal as there is a real strategic fit with all of the regeneration which is taking place in Colchester.

“We are delighted to be part of the ongoing development of the region by providing much needed new industrial units to the business community in this part of Essex. Building work on the £20 million scheme begins soon with the first phase due for completion in June 2008.”