Exploring The Colchester Northern Gateway

The transformation of Colchester’s Northern Gateway into a vibrant hub is a pivotal component of the city’s recovery and economic revitalisation following the impact of Covid-19. This ambitious project is set to enhance health, create jobs, provide housing, and embrace renewable energy, thereby reaffirming Colchester’s commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future.

Leisure and Entertainment at Northern Gateway

At the heart of the Northern Gateway’s transformation is the £65 million leisure development spearheaded by Turnstone Estates. This significant project, located just off the A12 near Colchester United’s football stadium, is making commendable progress and is anticipated to become a cornerstone of local entertainment and dining by Summer 2024.

What Will Be at the Northern Gateway in Colchester?

Upon completion, the Northern Gateway Leisure Park will boast a variety of attractions and amenities, making it a vibrant destination for entertainment and dining. Read the list below of planned companies coming to the Northern Gateway:

Dining and Restaurants

1. Slim Chickens – Known for their chicken tenders and milkshakes. – OPEN
2. El Guaca Mexican Restaurant – Offering a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine.
3. Kaspa’s Desserts – Specialising in indulgent desserts.
4. Joyato Sushi & Grill – A mix of sushi and grilled dishes.
5. Taste of Italy – Providing classic Italian dishes.
6. Greggs – Popular bakery chain, the Greggs in Colchester Northern Gateway has a drive-thru. – OPEN
7. Wendy’s – Renowned fast-food chain with a drive-thru option. – OPEN
8. Kervan Kitchen – Offering a variety of dishes.

Entertainment

1. Cineworld – A 12-screen multiplex cinema.
2. Hollywood Bowl – A 20-lane bowling alley with a range of amusement arcades. – OPEN
3. Puttstars – Indoor adventure golf centre. – OPEN

Accommodation

1. Travelodge – A 90-bed hotel – OPEN

Additional Facilities

1. Starbucks – Concession within the Cineworld complex.
2. Fastned EV Charging Station – For rapid electric vehicle charging – OPEN

Facilities and Amenities

The development will also boast a high-quality landscaped piazza, ample parking for 750 cars, and numerous rapid-charge electric vehicle charging points, reflecting the project’s commitment to sustainability. Additionally, the entire development will benefit from an integral digital network, providing ultra-fast broadband to local homes and businesses, ensuring that the community remains connected and competitive in the digital age.

Progress and Expectations

Despite some delays caused by an out-of-sync building programme, the Northern Gateway Leisure Park is steadily moving towards completion. The development kick-started in early 2022 and was initially expected to be finished by autumn 2023. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the grand opening has been rescheduled to early Summer 2024.

Current Developments

As of July 25th, 2024, several businesses at the Northern Gateway Leisure Park have opened their doors, providing a variety of dining, entertainment, and accommodation options:

• Slim Chickens
• Greggs
• Wendy’s
• Hollywood Bowl
• Puttstars
• Travelodge
• Fastned EV Charging Station

The Vision for Northern Gateway

Chris Goldsmith, Managing Director of Turnstone Estates, emphasises the complexity and scale of the Northern Gateway project, noting the challenges and the coordinated efforts required to deliver such a multifaceted development. Cllr Mark Cory, deputy leader of Colchester City Council, highlights the phased approach of the project, which has already seen the opening of several businesses, with more to come.

The Northern Gateway is poised to become a major contributor to Colchester’s economy, providing numerous job opportunities and enhancing the community’s options for entertainment and dining. The project reflects Colchester’s commitment to recovery and growth, promising prosperity and enjoyment for its residents and visitors.

A Taste of the Northern Gateway Experience

Living near the Northern Gateway, our excitement for its completion is palpable. Having personally explored some of the newly opened venues, we can vouch for the high-quality experiences awaiting visitors. One of the standout highlights was Slim Chickens. The chicken was superbly cooked, juicy, and flavorful, while the milkshakes were delightfully creamy and rich. Though the prices were slightly higher than Wendy’s around the corner, the quality made it a worthwhile indulgence.

The Hollywood Bowl arcade is another gem in the leisure park. It offers a fantastic array of games that cater to all ages and tastes. The VR dino Godzilla game was a thrilling experience, transporting players to a prehistoric world with immersive visuals and sound. Equally enjoyable was the Halo shoot ’em up, which brought back nostalgic memories of classic arcade games like Time Crisis with its fast-paced action and engaging gameplay. The coin drop game near the large window was particularly rewarding, proving to be the best game for winning tickets and adding an extra layer of fun to the visit.

The food at the arcade was another pleasant surprise. The Sahara peanuts from the bar were especially tasty, with a perfect balance of seasoning that made them incredibly moreish. The overall dining experience at the arcade complemented the entertainment perfectly, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy some snacks between games.

A return visit to the Northern Gateway is definitely on our agenda. The allure of the bowling alleys and the promise of a fun-filled game of mini-golf are irresistible. The combination of high-quality food, engaging games, and the vibrant atmosphere ensures that the Northern Gateway will become a favourite destination for both locals and visitors alike.

Balancing Growth and Local Concerns: The Changing Face of Colchester

The Charm of Old Colchester

Colchester, historically known as a charming and quiet town, is undergoing significant growth and transformation. With developments like the Northern Gateway Leisure Park, the town is rapidly evolving into a bustling urban centre. This growth, while bringing new opportunities and amenities, has stirred mixed feelings among local residents.

Concerns Over Rapid Growth

Some long-time residents lament the loss of the town’s quaint, peaceful character. They worry that the influx of new businesses and increased population may erode the community’s close-knit feel and lead to congestion and overdevelopment. Additionally, the rapid urbanisation has led to the loss of wild, undeveloped land that once surrounded the area, replaced by buildings and infrastructure. For those who cherished Colchester’s natural landscapes and open spaces, this change is particularly poignant.

Impact on City Centre Businesses

There are also concerns that the new developments might draw people away from the centre of Colchester, negatively impacting local businesses in the city centre by reducing footfall, especially in the evening, potentially harming restaurants and other venues.

Embracing Modernisation

On the other hand, many residents embrace the growth, recognising the benefits that come with modernisation. The new developments promise enhanced leisure and entertainment options, job creation, and improved infrastructure. These changes are seen as a positive step towards a vibrant, economically robust future for Colchester.

Benefits of Distributed Growth

As the town continues to grow, there are significant benefits to spreading out the attractions and amenities. By having multiple bustling areas, the pressure on the city centre can be alleviated, preventing it from becoming overly congested. This distribution can create a more balanced and enjoyable experience for both residents and visitors, ensuring that different parts of the city thrive without overwhelming any single area.

The Northern Gateway is poised to complement the existing city centre, offering a diversified urban landscape that supports sustainable growth and enhances the overall appeal of Colchester. Balancing the preservation of Colchester’s historical charm and natural beauty with the need for progress remains a key challenge. The town’s evolution reflects the broader trend of urban growth across the UK, where communities must navigate the complexities of modernisation while honouring their unique heritage and environmental assets.

Conclusion

The Northern Gateway Leisure Park is set to redefine leisure and entertainment in Colchester, offering a diverse array of activities and dining options. With its strategic focus on health, jobs, housing, and renewable energy, this development is a testament to Colchester’s resilience and forward-thinking vision for the future. As the project nears completion, anticipation builds for the grand opening and the vibrant community hub it promises to become.