Colchester City Council

At a time of limited resource for local government, we want to have as big a positive impact on Colchester’s economy as possible. We seek to make much more happen than we could directly do ourselves by developing strong and trusting relationships with local agencies such as the North Essex Economic Board (NEEB)

More about Colchester

The conversation around Colchester has long been around the importance of its long history. From the first Roman capital to the re-set of the present day with city status granted by the Queen in 2022 as part of her Platinum Jubilee year.

With a population of just under 200,000, a strong investment destination, serving a wider region, a growing knowledge and tech economy and international reach through the University of Essex and other businesses and institutions, Colchester has an important past, an impressive present and a confident future.

Colchester – Britain's first and latest city

The project pipeline is exceptional with some £85m being ear-marked for infrastructure and other projects to be delivered out until 2028 and beyond. Partnerships are also critical as we work together to build a future city which retains the best of ancient and modern. A future that welcomes those seeking a rare city, village and town, coast and countryside quality of life, with a ‘can-do’ welcome for business, investment and growth.

How we work

At a time of limited resource for local government, we want to have as big a positive impact on Colchester’s economy as possible. We are open-minded to new opportunities, but our work is evidence driven.

We seek to make much more happen than we could directly do ourselves by developing strong and trusting relationships with local agencies such as the Our Colchester BID and the Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea); are active members of effective partnerships such as One Colchester, We Are Colchester, and the North Essex Economic Board (NEEB); and are strengthening existing ties by agreeing shared priorities such as with our anchor institutions and particularly with the University of Essex through a new Civic-University Agreement.
Constantly scanning the horizon to understand local need and what opportunities exist.

Developing strong relationships to allow us to collaborate with others productively.
Participating in effective partnerships to amplify the effect of our efforts.
Encouraging partners to play to their strengths.
Focusing on Colchester’s strengths rather than deficits to capitalise on opportunities.
Using existing assets to leverage new investment, and
Concentrating on our role as catalyst and facilitator
Understanding infrastructure needs around active travel, Ultrafast gigabit broadband infrastructure, 5G WiFi and the connectivity platforms required