Colchester sports park set to open in January

Colchester Borough Council has announced that its Colchester Northern Gateway Sports Park is on track to open in January 2021.

The park was originally scheduled to open this month (September), but was delayed due to coronavirus to ensure the safety of contractors on site.

The 76-acre facility will include a 1-mile floodlit cycle track, provisions for cycling for people with disabilities and those with special needs, a multi-use sports centre, indoor cricket, a fitness suite, exercise and cycle studios, a café, meeting rooms and open green spaces for families to enjoy – all of which will be managed by the council.

The park is part of a wider sport and leisure development, all being project managed by Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd.

It will deliver a new state-of-the-art rugby facility, which will become the home of the Colchester Rugby Football Club, two all-weather pitches, additional grass pitches and an archery range for local clubs to enjoy.

The £28.7m development received funding from multiple partners, including £590,000 from British Cycling and £100,000 from England and Wales Cricket Club.

The next part of development will see the council working in partnership with Highways England and Breheny Civil Engineering Ltd to deliver safer pedestrian and cycling routes through the A12 at Junction 28.

‘We are thrilled that Colchester Northern Gateway Sports Park will be opening early next year,’ said the council’s portfolio holder for commercial services, Cllr Theresa Higgins.

‘There is something for everyone at the site. Whether you love cycling, cricket, archery, football, or just want to enjoy a long walk with your family, the Sports Park is meant for everybody.

‘I’m particularly encouraged to see the implementation of safe and accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists to the sports park. Although we will have the temporary inconvenience of overnight road works at the junction, I believe the results will overwhelmingly benefit the borough.’

Photo Credit – StockSnap (Pixabay)