New showrooms now open at Bypass Nurseries, Capel St Mary and Glasswells, Ipswich
Improvements to Trinity Square begin soon – creating a safer, brighter and more welcoming space in the heart of the city
Work to improve Trinity Square is due to begin in Spring and is expected to be completed in Autumn 2026.
We want residents, businesses and visitors to know what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how the space will be managed throughout.
Trinity Square is a significant historic site – home to Colchester’s oldest surviving building and a much-loved part of our city centre. The improvements are designed to restore the space, strengthen safety, support future community use and enhance the setting of Holy Trinity Church.
Bakers of Danbury have now been appointed as the contractor to deliver these works.
What’s happening – and why
The project will revive the former churchyard at Holy Trinity, bringing back a green space that has been closed to the public for decades. The works include landscape renovation, new and replacement railings and
gates, and mechanical and electrical upgrades such as lighting and CCTV to support safety.
As well as restoring the former churchyard, the improvements will help the square play a role during future community events connected to Holy Trinity Church. Creating an inclusive atmosphere that brings the immediate area together and supports nearby businesses. An approach respectful of the history and setting, where heritage, community and the surrounding streets feel more connected.
The main churchyard will continue to be locked at dusk. Only a small, separate outer space will remain accessible, designed to allow the church to open directly onto the street and remove the sense of a barrier created by railings. This helps ensure the overall scheme feels more welcoming and accessible.
These arrangements have been developed with community safety partners, Historic England and others.
Security and safety – what residents have told us, and what we’re doing
We know concerns have been raised about anti-social behaviour, including fears that changing the railings or access could increase problems. These concerns have helped shape the final design.
The project includes:
• Improved lighting
• CCTV coverage
• Continued dusk locking of the main churchyard
• A clearly defined small outer area for appropriate community use only
• Support from Essex Police and neighbouring businesses
Bringing closed-off spaces back into positive use is recognised to improve pride and increase positive activity in the city centre. These changes are intended to ensure the area feels safe, well-managed and better connected to surrounding streets - helping support footfall between Lion Walk and Culver Square.
Holy Trinity Church – where the wider project now stands
Roof repairs to Holy Trinity Church itself are now complete, and the stage funded by the UK Government has been successfully delivered. The wider heritage project is progressing, with work now focused on preparing the next major funding bid.
When the works will take place
Some drainage investigative works will begin this week which will help
inform the projects timeline. The main improvement works to Holy Trinity Square are expected to run from Spring to Autumn 2026.
How the project is being funded
The Holy Trinity Square improvements are being delivered using government regeneration funding, part of investment that supports the renewal of key city centre spaces.
Part of a bigger picture
The restoration of Trinity Square sits within the wider City Centre Masterplan, which is bringing forward major projects to create a safer, greener and more vibrant city centre.
Expanding on the bigger picture, Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council and Chair of Team Colchester, said: “Trinity Church and Square are hidden gems, closed to the public. We are determined to secure their future, to make them accessible places to enjoy. By restoring the space, improving safety and supporting sensitive community use, we’re creating an oasis which strengthens the heart of the city centre. Providing a welcoming environment that benefits residents, visitors and local businesses for years to come.
“We’ll continue to share updates as the works progress and as the area begins to reopen for sensitive, well-managed community use.”
To find out more about Colchester’s regeneration, visit:
www.colchester.gov.uk/citycentre
Photo courtesy of HAT Projects
The official launch of Beat the Street Colchester St Helena Community Bereavement Café
Our Special Guests
Alongside students from our local schools, we are delighted to welcome the Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Michael Lilley, and Town Crier Rennie Chivers for a traditional ceremonial start. The morning continues with inspiration from mental health runner Shawn Leek, who will demonstrate the game in action and invite you to join him for the very first guided walk of the season.
In the spirit of community sport, we will have four local mascots – Eddie the Eagle (Colchester United), Ellie the Eagle (Essex Cricket), Queen B (Essex Rebels), and Beattie the Hedgehog (Beat the Street) – will also be joining us to help kick off the campaign. The SOS Bus will also be on-site offering free health checks to residents throughout the event.
What is Beat the Street
Beat the Street is a free, fun competition designed to encourage everyone in the community to get more active by turning Colchester into a
real-life physical activity game. Running from 11 March to 22 April, participants earn points for their teams by walking, cycling, wheeling, or scooting between more than 140 Beat Boxes – the contactless sensors located on lampposts throughout the city.
It’s not just about topping the leader board; your active travel could also win you some fantastic rewards! Prizes include family passes and tickets for local favourites such as Colchester Museums, Essex Rebels, Mercury Theatre, Aqua Springs, and the Colchester Zoo Stampede, plus much more.
Cllr Jocelyn Law, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Public Protection said: “Beat the Street is a brilliant way to bring our community together through physical activity. We encourage everyone to attend the launch to learn more about how to participate and to support our collective goal of a more active Colchester.”
Join the free, fun game here at Colchester | Beat the Street.
Many people find that after the death of someone close, it can be hard to know where to turn or who to talk to. St Helena Hospice in Colchester runs a monthly Community Bereavement Café, offering a warm, friendly place for anyone who has been bereaved to come together for a cuppa, a chat, or simply the comfort of being around others who understand. The café is supported by trained staff and volunteers who offer understanding conversation and a compassionate listening ear.
The café is free to attend, open to anyone who has experienced a loss, whether recently or many years ago. If you, or someone you know, might benefit from a relaxed space to connect with others, you would be very welcome. To book a place, or to refer someone who may find it helpful, please contact St Helena by phone or email or just show up on the day. Sometimes just knowing you’re not alone can make the biggest difference. Call or email: 01206 984274 ces-coordinators@sthelena.org.uk
Leisure World and Colchester Sports Park launch ‘One Year. One Goal. One Big Saving.’ annual membership offer
Leisure World and Colchester Sports Park are launching a major new promotion designed to help residents commit to their health, fitness, and overall wellbeing in 2026. Running from 23 February to 31 March, the ‘One Year. One Goal. One Big Saving.’ campaign offers two months free, plus an additional 15% off when you take out selected annual memberships.
The initiative aims to make a full year of activity more accessible and affordable for local people and supports Colchester City Council’s wider commitment to improving community wellbeing.
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure, said: “This offer isn’t just about fitness, it’s about making wellbeing achievable for everyone. Leisure World and Colchester Sports Park play an important role
in supporting healthier, happier communities across Colchester. From boosting physical activity to reducing stress, building confidence and creating social connections, being active has a profound impact on our wellbeing. With this new offer we are reaching out to residents to access those benefits while enjoying fantastic savings.”
Annual memberships include access to four gyms, swimming pools, fitness classes, racquet sports, cycle track and more, depending on the chosen package. Discover more here MembershipsLeisure World
You can join online or in person at Leisure World Colchester, Highwoods, Tiptree or Colchester Sports Park. Use code Annual15 to claim the offer.
Crossword
ACROSS
1 One keeps characters apart when depressed (5-3)
6 Glaring error in his rag (6)
9 Son gets conned, say – that’s harsh (6)
10 Courtesy shown by Greek character to girl by railway (8)
11 Elected party fast becomes lazy (8)
12 Jack has to fetch Mark (6)
13 Determined bachelor paid attention (6-6)
16 Unexpectedly unable to get Sky? (3,2,3,4)
19 Company fellow is powerful (6)
21 Cut price record released around start of November (8)
23 Inexperienced worker ruined green bin (8)
24 Some mathematicians we reckon will provide the solution (6)
25 Seize east wing (6)
26 Still current late in the day (8)
2 Powerful omen seer ultimately missed (6)
3 Feature old material (5)
4 Fathead identifies tree (9)
5 Reading affects literacy mostly (7)
6 Good material for dressing flash (5)
7 Again sort out bottom oven (9)
8 Thus Catholic monarch doubled as enchanter (8)
13 Herons lie scattered by the coast (9)
14 Married sort’s given fish and a soft drink (4-5)
15 Swede perhaps wants purée...no, a stew (8)
17 Second goal gets Rose excited (7)
18 Really popular act (6)
20 Stretched for time (5)
22 Notes frenzied attack (5)
Crossword
ACROSS
1 Writing mostly about millions having to economise (6)
5 Walk ostentatiously, for example, around tree (6)
9 Specialist has no power to wield (5)
10 Two pubs I caught being uncivilised (8)
12 He walks? Right, he walks (7)
13 Zeppelin broadcast’s with it (7)
14 It enables you to feel courage (5)
16 One group of soldiers or another found in club with hero (9)
18 Composition’s beauty captivating a majority of those attending (9)
21 Gas making some in Forfar go nuts (5)
22 Getting close to revolting Grannie (7)
24 Right way by which to leave and go back (7)
26 Against accepting present – that ultimately is understandable (8)
27 Upset as fun is ruined (5)
28 Director and writer, we hear, of story of Martian invasion (6)
29 In court, long for seal of approval (6) DOWN
2 The very best stuff is around the east (5)
3 Let client exercise his mind (9)
4 Local food (3,4)
5 Menial worker in tavern’s drunk (7)
6 I will be entertained by celebrity for part of flight (5)
7 Coming down in flames in middle of Belgium (9)
8 Bring her one different type of pattern (11)
11 Two possibilities for Windows easily decided? (4-3-4)
15 To set up with Mother taking part is a palaver (9)
17 Giles can somehow swallow a painkiller (9)
19 Left, say, with not so much drunk (7)
20 Unpredictable fellow imprisons traitor (7)
23 One needs wood that’s perfect (5)
25 Avoid commercial in the evening (5)
Clear recycling bag deliveries have begun in Colchester. Households that have a kerbside paper and plastics recycling collection will receive their roll of bags by the end of March, with each of the 75,000 homes receiving one roll of 62 clear bags to make recycling simple and convenient.
Recycling changes
This update follows the council’s recent announcement about changes to recycling and waste collections. While the new service begins later this year, clear bags for recycling will continue to be used for paper and plastic until residents receive their new bins. Residents can read more about the upcoming service changes here.
Need bags before your delivery arrives?
https://www.colchester.gov. uk/recycling-and-rubbish/freehousehold-drop-off-service/ Look out for your
If you need clear recycling bags before your delivery arrives, you can order a roll online here and collect it from one of our local community stockists. Please note that deliveries
may take place on your normal collection days.
Residents can also find helpful information on our website here, including:
1.Download your 2026 collection calendar (remember, your calendars will change from 1 June. New calendars will be available in late May)
2. Garden waste subscription service
3. Check your collection day
4. What can and can’t be recycled (flexible plastics and cartons can be recycled now)
5. Tips on how to reduce your waste, such as composting
Didn’t receive your bags?
If your bags haven’t arrived by the end of March, you can order a roll online for collection from a nearby stockist.
To stay updated on news and services across the city, you can subscribe to our newsletters.
Colchester City Council’s Free Saturday Household Drop Off Service will return this spring, offering residents an easy, no cost way to dispose of small household items that cannot go in their normal bins.
The service runs on selected Saturdays from April to August, visiting locations across the city that are chosen using data on local household income to ensure the drop offs are available to residents who may struggle to make a trip to the tip.
What the service offers
The drop off points give you a convenient alternative to transporting items across the city or paying for a special collection. It is designed for people who are having a clear out or have small, broken or unwanted items that are either not recyclable or not collected as part of their kerbside collection.
What you can bring
You can drop off small loads from domestic properties, including bulky household items like mattresses, broken furniture or excess black bags, that cannot be recycled and are
not collected through normal kerbside collections.
What cannot be accepted
Some items require different disposal routes for safety or environmental reasons. The drop off service will not take items collected as part of kerbside collections (including things that can be recycled and garden waste), large loads, fridges, freezers or other electrical goods, hazardous waste such as asbestos, batteries, liquids or gas bottles or business waste.
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure, said: “The Saturday drop off service gives residents an easy, local and completely free way to get rid of items that aren't collected in their household bins or bags. By bringing these collection points into neighbourhoods across the city, we’re supporting residents who may find it harder to get to a recycling centre.”
Garden View - This month - An annual pleasure
Every year since I began to garden, come spring, I grabbed my spade and in a fit of enthusiasm I dug over the soil. Then I filled any empty spaces with annuals. These might be carefully nurtured in my greenhouse, sprinkled direct from the packet, or purchased in packs at my local garden centre.
Several years ago, due to an injury, I was unable to get out and begin this frenzy of activity. I resigned myself to the fact than my garden simply wouldn’t be as colourful that year. Nature however had other plans.
As I waited for my perennials to surface something wonderful happened. Hundreds of self-sown annuals from the previous year also began to surface. They’d been there all along, just waiting for the warm spring sun to bring them to life.
It occurred to me that my habit of stopping deadheading towards the end of the season (to leave some interesting seed heads which feed the birds and look so pretty covered in frost) had benefitted me in more ways than the one I’d intended.
Calendula, Candytuft, Cosmos, Larkspur, Nicotiana, Poppies, Sweet Alyssum and Love-in-a-Mist were popping up everywhere I looked. I’ve never been so delighted.
I waited until they were a couple of inches tall then on a slightly drizzly day I eased some out and transferred them to barer soil.
My reward was a display of annuals every bit as lovely as if I’d spent hours with my spade and trowel.
So last year I experimented. Throughout the flowering season I noted where I might need an extra patch or two of colour and then, when I stopped deadheading, I simply grabbed a few seed heads and dropped them in the appropriate spot.
That spring and summer I had another beautiful display of annuals. Why hadn’t I discovered this lazy way to garden before?
Of course, there are some teeny disadvantages. The main one is that annuals grown from seed flower
later than those bought as plugs or plants from garden centres. Don’t let this put you off though. If you have a good range of perennials the annuals can take their time, taking over when the others begin to fade. Also, noone says it has to be all or nothing. I have a passion for cosmos, so I bring in a few plants early on every year. That way I can savour their pretty blooms right through the season.
So, if you’re planting annuals this spring, plan ahead a little. Look at
your garden as an evolving piece of work and let at least some of them self-seed. Then next year don’t be so quick to brandish a spade…you’ll gain two commodities gardeners always need more of...time and money.
Happy gardening,
By Rachael Leverton
Word Search
Can you find all of the Roman Gods hidden in the grid?
Abundantia Acca Larentia Aequitas Apollo Aura Bacchus
Bellona Caelus Ceres Cupid Cybele Diana Faunus Fortuna Janus Juno Jupiter Mars Mercury Minerva Neptune Pluto Venus Vulcan
Colchester Museums Flash Sale: Child Tickets Just 50p!
Families looking for an affordable and exciting day out this spring are in for a treat as Colchester Museums launches a Flash Sale offering child tickets for just 50p at Colchester Castle and Hollytrees Museum! The limited-time offer runs from Monday 23 February to Thursday 26 March, with child tickets valid for visitors aged 16 and under.
As part of the promotion, up to four children can visit for 50p each per full-price adult, giving families the chance to enjoy fun, action-packed and educational days out at exceptional value.
At Colchester Castle, children can jump into stories from the past with interactive highlights including learning about Boudica, racing a Roman chariot, exploring the Castle’s atmospheric prison spaces, and experiencing history brought to life through an augmented-reality tablet tour. Accessibility is always a priority, with pram and wheelchair-friendly access and free hire of ear defenders and twiddlemuffs ensuring a comfortable visit for all.
Hollytrees Museum invites families into a Georgian townhouse filled
Crossword
ACROSS
7 Misshapen lump contains a metal, a precious one (8)
9 At home with Sean possibly or out to lunch (6)
10 Anger displayed by some firemen (3)
11 Given somewhere to sleep outside public school (8)
12 Somehow pistol is ruined (6)
13 Ragged dress covers old person sleeping rough (6)
15 Trouble over one lad’s love affairs (8)
16 Calm but haunted by one’s own ghosts? (4-9)
20 Mineral discovered by wicked sort, we hear, by pub (8)
22 Nearly everyone, not quite the majority (6)
25 Odds on present will be a ball (6)
26 And German retains right to be nameless (8)
27 Comedian’s payment is docked (3)
28 English miner sporting fur (6)
29 One on course has this useful sounding headgear (8)
with three centuries of toys, domestic objects and clocks. Children can enjoy discovering how people lived, worked and played in Colchester in the past.
Councillor Lee Scordis, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Environment, said: “We know how important affordable days out are for local families, especially during the busy spring season. This fantastic offer opens the door for more children to explore Colchester’s rich history and enjoy hands-on learning across our wonderful museums. We hope many families will take advantage of the 50p tickets and make lasting memories together.”
Offer Details
• Child tickets: 50p each (ages 16 and under)
• Valid: 23 February – 26 March
• Venues: Colchester Castle and Hollytrees Museum
• Up to 4 child tickets per full-price adult ticket
• Exclusions apply – please see full terms and conditions online.
For more information and to book tickets, visit: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk
DOWN
1 This is one party game (6)
2 Figure’s losing European standing (6)
3 Plant needs freezing weather and a bit of rain (8)
4 Is fat drunk going around Spain for holiday? (6)
5 Gives support to European partners (8)
6 Having a desire for popular recording, Neil dashed inside (8)
8 Centre’s beginnning to become rowdy in Yorkshire town (13)
14 Understand only odd bits of scene (3)
16 Footwear at start of year is difficult to get hold of (8)
17 Backed the Italian, one wearing kinky green underwear (8)
18 Former substitute could be demanding (8)
19 I will need energy to travel (3)
21 His products could make you stout, and so could he! (6)
23 System of measuring crime developed around middle of century (6)
24 To observe present and past is child’s play (6)
Sudoku
How to play Sudoku It’s simple!
Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.
You don’t need to be a genius. These puzzles use logic alone. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.
Unwind and Cast Away at Holiday Park
Nestled in the Essex countryside and overlooking a setting for rest and relaxation.
It’s the perfect balance of a peaceful retreat while still being close to the vibrant coast and the seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea.
Beyond its location, the park has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where holiday home owners enjoy a strong community spirit. With a programme of owners-only events throughout the season, there’s always something to get involved in.
Oaklands combines peace and convenience, with just enough facilities to make every visit enjoyable. Spend time fishing for Carp, Tench and Roach on the lake, or unwind with family and friends at The Forester’s Tavern, the welcoming hub of the park.
New entertainment and jobs for Colchester as Vue and Clip ‘n Climb move closer to opening
Residents in and around Colchester can look forward to a major boost in local entertainment this year as fit-out work is now officially underway for both Vue and Clip ‘n Climb at Northern Gateway. These two major additions are transforming the area into a premier destination for families and thrill-seekers, bringing a variety of new activities and dozens of career opportunities to the local community.
Opening dates and job opportunities confirmed Senior leaders at Vue have confirmed they are aiming for an opening this spring, providing residents with a state-of-the-art venue to enjoy the latest films, featuring Lux and Ultra Lux recliner seating, latest retail concept Vue Your Way, and EPIC by Vue in the largest screen. This new venue is
Colchester
set to create more than 50 new jobs, offering a wide range of opportunities for local people to join a major national brand right on their doorstep.
The team at Clip ‘n Climb has also started work on their new space, which is set to bring vibrant, high-energy fun to the city when it opens this April. The centre will be a significant source of local employment, creating between 25 and 30 jobs for people in the area. This includes six immediate fulltime positions, with further senior roles expected to be created as the business becomes established in its new home.
What’s already taking shape across the area
A short walk from Colchester Leisure Park, the wider Northern Gateway continues to grow as the
home of sport and active living in the city. Colchester Sports Park, with its pump track, cycle routes, fitness spaces and indoor facilities, sits alongside the community football stadium and David Lloyd health club. Together they create a lively centre for physical activity, wellbeing and community sport, welcoming residents of all ages.
A bigger vision coming to life
The activity you see on the ground today is part of a much broader ambition for Northern Gateway. The area is evolving into a modern neighbourhood that combines highquality leisure with new homes, possibilities for active living, business opportunities and spaces for families to enjoy. This is one of Colchester’s most significant opportunities for longterm growth, attracting investment and supporting a thriving local economy. Plans for new affordable homes will help meet the needs of local people and create a balanced, sustainable community around these new facilities.
Connected by design
Northern Gateway’s location makes it easy to reach for residents and visitors across the region. Positioned directly on the A12, the site serves a much wider catchment while staying closely linked to the city centre. The Park & Ride service
and new dedicated cycling and walking pathways offer simple, sustainable ways to travel into Colchester.
A place that’s moving forward
With new leisure venues, major sporting facilities, future homes and opportunities for business, Northern Gateway is becoming one of Colchester’s most exciting destinations. And there is much more still to come.
More announcements are expected as the wider development progresses, laying the foundations for the next chapter of Northern Gateway’s evolution.
Cllr Mark Cory, Portfolio Holder for Resources and Assets, said: “I’m genuinely excited to see the Northern Gateway coming to life. We are finally seeing the vision and potential of the site take place. Late Spring, we should see most venues at Colchester Leisure Park open and a raft of activities ready for residents. Knowing that more than 75 new jobs are being created for local people makes this progress even more meaningful. Residents have been asking for more to do close to home, and these new venues will give families plenty to look forward to. Northern Gateway is becoming a place we can all enjoy and find new things to do each time we visit.”
kicks off city-wide Beat the Street game
The sun was out, the bells were ringing, and trainers were laced up as Colchester officially launched Beat the Street, the giant physical activity game that turns the entire city into a massive leaderboard.
A buzzing crowd gathered outside Colchester Castle yesterday to witness the start of a six-week adventure. The atmosphere was electric, filled with local students, community and charity leaders and residents, ready to ditch the sofa for some fresh air and excited competition.
The festivities began with a flourish as the Town Crier rang
his bell and read from an official scroll to announce the game’s arrival to the masses. Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Michael Lilley, followed with a warm welcoming speech, highlighting the city's incredible community spirit and the importance of staying active.
The crowd also heard from Dr. William Bird, founder of Intelligent Health, who spoke about the magic of getting outside and moving together as a community. Then came the big moment everyone was waiting for: the ribbon was cut, the mascots paraded, the cheers went up, and the game was officially declared open. Local mental health
advocate and runner Shawn Leek led a massive inaugural walk from the Castle grounds over to the historic Jumbo Water Tower.
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Michael Lilley said: “What makes Beat the Street so special is that it’s for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. It isn't about running marathons, it’s about having a laugh with friends and family while enjoying the fresh air and exploring Colchester’s hidden gems. I encourage every resident to join in—whether you’re scooting to school or taking a stroll—and help make Colchester more active and connected than ever.”
Already 8289 people have signed up to take part and have together clocked up 5,634 active travel miles. There’s still time to sign up as the game continues until Wednesday, 22 April. The competition rewards the teams who clock up the highest number of active travel miles, plus there is an individual leaderboard plus an average points leaderboard, so opportunities of teams of all sizes to win!
Visit www.beatthestreet.me/ colchester to check out the map, find your nearest Beat Box, and start your six-week health-boosting journey.
The waters around the property market may be choppy, but with the Michaels crew at the helm, we’ll get you to where you really want to be... simply pop in or call our Colchester office to arrange a free mortgage health check and to register with us for updates on property prices and interest rates today.