About Our colchester
Our Colchester: Making History in the Town Centre
Our Colchester is a Business Improvement District (BID) that aims to make history in the town centre. It is a partnership between businesses and local authorities that provides sustainable, consistent investment for Colchester and its businesses. Our Colchester delivers additional services, not replacements, to enhance the town centre's appeal and attract more visitors.
The BID was established in 2017 with a clear vision of making Colchester an attractive destination for shopping, leisure, and entertainment. The partnership has been successful in achieving this goal by investing in various projects that have transformed the town centre's landscape.
One of the most significant projects undertaken by Our Colchester is the refurbishment of Lion Walk Shopping Centre. The project involved creating new public spaces, improving lighting and signage, installing new seating areas and planting trees to create an inviting environment for shoppers.
Another notable project undertaken by Our Colchester is the introduction of free Wi-Fi across the town centre. This initiative has made it easier for visitors to access information about local attractions, events and promotions while they are out shopping or exploring.
Our Colchester also runs several events throughout the year to promote tourism and boost footfall in the town centre. These include food festivals, music concerts, art exhibitions and Christmas markets.
The BID has also been instrumental in promoting sustainability initiatives across businesses within its jurisdiction. It encourages recycling programs among retailers as well as promoting energy-efficient practices such as LED lighting installations.
Our Colchester's success can be attributed to its business-led approach which ensures that all investments are geared towards enhancing business growth within its jurisdiction. The BID works closely with local authorities such as Essex County Council to ensure that all investments align with broader economic development goals for Essex County.
In conclusion, Our Colchester is a shining example of how partnerships between businesses can transform towns into vibrant destinations for shopping leisure activities while promoting sustainable practices among retailers within their jurisdiction. The BID's success is a testament to the power of collaboration and investment in local communities.