Turnstone Estates celebrated the start of work at its £65 million Colchester Northern Gateway Leisure Park development with a special ground-breaking ceremony this week.  

On 16 March, representatives from main contractor HG Construction, met on site with those from Colchester Amphora Trading, Colchester Borough Council, Turnstone Estates and Canada Life to see work get underway. Construction of this major development is expected to be completed by the autumn of 2023.

Chris Goldsmith, Managing Director of Turnstone Estates said: “This is the largest leisure development of its kind currently being built in the country and today represents an important milestone not only for this project but all those involved.”

The 200,000 sq ft leisure development is located within Colchester’s Northern Gateway, south of junction 28 of the A12.  The event marks a significant step in the delivery of this ambitious project which already boasts an impressive line-up of occupiers committed to the scheme including Cineworld, Travelodge, Hollywood Bowl, Puttstars, Jump Street, Kervan Kitchen, Greggs, Wendy’s and Fastned.

Conor Rice, Managing Director, HG Construction added: “We are delighted to be involved in this impressive leisure scheme which already has a significant number of well-known names signed up. We look forward to working closely with Turnstone Estates and the wider team as we move into the construction phase.”

Cllr Sue Lissimore, Portfolio Holder for Resources and Deputy Leader of Colchester Borough Council said: “It’s fantastic to see work begin on the construction of the new Leisure Park at Northern Gateway. With so many popular food and leisure brands lined up to be part of this exciting enterprise, we look forward to seeing the project turn from vision to reality over the coming months.”  

The Turnstone scheme for the Northern Gateway Leisure Park forms part of a wider development delivered by Colchester Borough Council and its Colchester Amphora companies that also includes the recently opened Colchester Sports Park and the forthcoming 350 new homes, healthcare hub, and 45,100 sqm of commercial floorspace. The whole development will benefit from an integral digital network providing ultra-fast broadband to local homes and businesses.

The professional team comprises Agents: Wareing and Partners, Whybrow. Architects-CMP, Civil and Structural Engineers – Conisbee, MEP consultant – Silcock Dawson, Acoustic – Sharps Redmore, Landscape design – PLACE, Employers Agent and Quantity Surveyor – Stace.

For further information visit: northerngatewaycolchester.co.uk