OUR Colchester BID LAUNCH LEISURE RECOVERY STRATEGY FOR town centre

Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) has published its Leisure Recovery Strategy document following an in-depth research project with key stakeholders in the Colchester leisure industry.

Colchester’s leisure industry is made up from many different businesses including, food and drink, accommodation, pubs, bars, theatres, galleries, and event spaces. The leisure industry nationally pre-pandemic was estimated to be worth around £200 billion with millions lost because of covid.

The Leisure Recovery Strategy project began in 2021 with the appointment of leisure industry experts Six Till Six to carry out the research on behalf of the BID. Through engagement with key stakeholders including Colchester Borough Council, Essex County Council, and local leisure businesses within the centre of Colchester, this plan has been created as a dynamic and comprehensive action plan to help boost Colchester’s leisure industry.

With this strategy, the BID is working to champion the leisure sector with clear goals to highlight its value within the ecosystem of the town centre and to strengthen Colchester’s positioning as a leisure destination for visitors.

A bespoke leisure recovery board was formed from local leisure businesses and industry experts to direct the creation of the strategy. This saw local leisure businesses come together to discuss the impact of Covid, their hopes for Colchester, and identify the support they needed to thrive.

BID Manager Sam Good said “It’s a pleasure to launch the Leisure Recovery Strategy for the centre of Colchester.

“The leisure sector was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic with many businesses unable to reopen for months on end, with millions estimated to be lost due to this. Whilst this strategy is BID commissioned, we don’t want it to be BID owned. We welcome all businesses and stakeholders who have an interest in the town centre to adopt this strategy and follow the guidelines to help the leisure industry in the centre of Colchester to truly thrive.”

Sylvia Oates, Director of Six Till Six said “Colchester has so much to offer as a leisure destination, from its rich history and impressive cultural offer, through to its varied and diverse hospitality businesses.

“The strategy identifies many opportunities to help Colchester and the businesses within it to thrive, grow and reach its enormous potential.”

The BID is invested in helping support all elements of the town centre previously the BID has produced an Indie Vision which has prompted thousands of pounds in inward investment into the town. The BID is now currently also working towards a Colchester Retail Strategy with Savills Place.

If you would like to read the Leisure Recovery Strategy

CLICK HERE 

or click on the images to be taken to the content.

If you have any questions or would like to be involved moving forward please email hello@ourcolchester.co.uk