Cash set aside for bid for Colchester to secure city status

At a meeting on Wednesday, Colchester Council’s cabinet agreed funding of £125,000 to put towards drawing up a bid, as well as celebrations to mark the Jubilee and new heritage improvements for the town.

Announced earlier this year, 2022 will be the first time the coveted status has been awarded in a decade.

Colchester has tried and failed to gain city status three times in the past, including most recently in 2012 when it lost out to Essex rival Chelmsford.

Economy, business and heritage boss Darius Laws told the cabinet meeting much of the work from the previous bid was still relevant and could be used in a fresh proposal.

Darius Laws is the council's economy, business and heritage boss

He said: “The bid was led by Destination Colchester, a community interest company, and had officer support from us.

“I don’t think you need to be worried we are planning to spend all the money allocated on a bid application, but I do think it is right and prudent we set aside a budget facility should for example we need to update photography, video and collateral to support a bid.

“In terms of copy, let’s face it we have not got a new Norman castle or a new Roman Circus overnight, a lot of what was in the report before is still relevant.”

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Mr Laws said the cash would also be used on plans to mark the jubilee, such as installing bunting and flags to mark the event in June next year, to help residents celebrate.

Cabinet documents say the council is set to work with partners across the town, including the Town Deal Board, on the city status new bid.

Colchester Labour leader Adam Fox said residents needed to be on board.

“There are many people who identify Colchester as a town and that identity is important to them,” he said.

“If a bid is put together I hope it will generate support from across the community.”

The city status competition will close on December 8 and all valid entries will receive individual consideration on their merits, before recommendations are made to the Queen by ministers.