We were commissioned by the Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) to develop a strategy that would support the unique independent businesses clustered along the narrow medieval streets of the city centre. Our report, based on research with businesses as well as analysis of the physical condition of the city centre, proposing a range of interventions to improve identity, public-realm and place-making as well as to support businesses to help themselves.
The recommendations have now started to be implemented - including lighting installations, parklets, shopfront improvement grants, support packs for new businesses and two site-specific new artworks to highlight the 'gateways' to the independent lanes. Other more substantial recommendations were included in the Town Deal bid, which was successful in achieving £19.2m of Government funding, such as kerbless streets and improved areas of public realm in the town.