Community organisations urged to "breathe new life" into Abbey Field Centre

The property will become available from January 2021

Author: Adam GoacherPublished 5th Oct 2020

Colchester Borough Council are calling on community-based organisations from across the borough to take over the management and "breathe new life" into the Abbey Field Centre.

The property, located at Circular Road South in the heart of Colchester's Garrison and Shrub End communities, will become available from January 2021 to lease for up to 25 years.

Steve Mannix, Executive Director at the Mercury Theatre, said: “The Abbey Field Centre is an exceptional creative space – large, light, flexible and stylish! We’ve developed some exciting theatre there, using the space to rehearse, work and entertain. It’s a hugely versatile and attractive building and will become a real asset to any ambitious, creative organisation.”

A special viewing day will be held on Thursday 29th October between 9am and 1pm to give interested organisations an opportunity to tour the site and ask questions of Colchester Borough Council’s Estates Team, managed by Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd.

Councillor Michael Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “We’re inviting community-focused enterprises to come and look at this beautifully-refurbished and versatile facility, to see how it might give them the space to grow and prosper.

“This is an exciting opportunity and we’re looking for proposals to sustain the future of this wonderful building and secure its place as a valued community asset. I look forward to seeing the ideas that come forward.”