Newsteer secured planning permission for St Botolph’s Quarter on behalf of Colchester City Council and Platform4, unlocking a major heritage led public realm project at the heart of Colchester City Centre. Newsteer also provided viability and deliverability advice to support the delivery of neighouring land parcels for residential development.
The client’s challenge
The project needed to transform a strategically important but sensitive city centre site into an inclusive and connected public place, whilst testing what the intervention would unlock in terms of neighbouring development value.. The site includes a Scheduled Ancient Monument and St Botolph’s Priory, requiring the proposals to balance regeneration, access, play and public activity with significant heritage considerations.
Our solution
Rachel Lea and Mark Battersby led the planning work over more than a year, coordinating with a wide range of stakeholders and consultees. Through close collaboration with Historic England and the wider project team, the scheme was refined to respond positively to the site’s heritage while delivering a new square, enhanced landscaping, improved footpaths and a family friendly play space.
Beyond advice: how we added value
The planning strategy connected heritage protection with the wider City Centre Masterplan. It supported a new inclusive route from Colchester Town station towards the city’s cultural and historic assets, using public realm and landscape to improve connectivity and encourage greater social interaction.
Outcomes and impact
Rachel Lea and Mark Battersby led the planning work over more than a year, coordinating with a wide range of stakeholders and consultees. Through close collaboration with Historic England and the wider project team, the scheme was refined to respond positively to the site’s heritage while delivering a new square, enhanced landscaping, improved footpaths and a family friendly play space. Mark Byles and Geena Bains advised the Council on the viability implications of the delivery of neighbouring land parcels.
