Plans for the second phase of the Stane Park Leisure Quarter development near Colchester have been revealed.

East Anglian Daily Times: Churchmanor Estates Project Director John Harvey and Managing Director Stephen Clark hold a consultation into planned second phase of development at Tollgate.Churchmanor Estates Project Director John Harvey and Managing Director Stephen Clark hold a consultation into planned second phase of development at Tollgate.

Churchmanor Estates has already lined up Bella Italia, Nandos and McMullens for the first phase of the Stane Park Leisure Quarter development, with the three outlets already being granted licences by Colchester Borough Council (CBC).

A planning application for the first phase is currently before the authority, due to be decided after the election.

This week Churchmanor Estates unveiled early plans for the second stage of the development during an exhibition for the community.

It has three other restaurant groups lined up for the development, though their names will not be revealed until the planning application for phase two is submitted at the end of this month.

Altogether the six restaurants will create 250 jobs.

Stephen Clark, managing director of Churchmanor Estates, said: “We are delighted to announce we have attracted three further, major restaurant groups who will join McMullens, Bella Italia and Nandos to create a highly attractive leisure quarter which will include a pocket park and children’s recreation area.

“This is going to be a highly attractive and desirable destination where the Stanway community can relax, eat and socialise.

“The eating out market in the UK is vibrant and is one of the most buoyant sectors of the economy with market research group Mintel estimating a growth in expenditure of 3.5% to £34.7billion this year.

“Our scheme is the result of two years planning and design and allows the Stanway area to participate in this growth sector.”

Access to the development will be opposite the Sainsbury’s superstore, using the existing roundabout.

It will link to Wyvern Farm, where Persimmon Homes has been given planning permission to build 358 houses, while the McMullens pub-restaurant will face onto the London Road roundabout opposite Frankie & Benny’s.

Colchester Institute, which provides hospitality and catering training for 420 students, has already welcomed the first three names revealed and further backed the prospect of more investment for jobs in the sector.

A new web site showcasing the plans is now live.