Colchester City Council's Cabinet has approved a package of measures to further enhance the cleanliness, appearance and safety of the city centre, supporting businesses, residents and visitors while strengthening confidence in Colchester as a place to invest, work and enjoy leisure time.
The investment includes a new pavement sweeper, two pavement scrubbers, additional frontline operatives, increased licensing capacity to support new regulatory powers, and body-worn cameras for city centre wardens.
Investing in frontline services
The new equipment and additional staffing will help teams respond more effectively across the city centre and wider public spaces, supporting:
- Street cleansing
- Litter collection and bin emptying
- Pavement cleaning and gum removal
- Environmental enforcement
- Community safety patrols
- Supporting visitors and local businesses
The investment in licensing services will also help the council make full use of new powers to support a safe, well-managed city centre.
Supporting business growth and visitor numbers
The investment forms part of wider work to strengthen Colchester city centre.
The council works closely with INColchester Business Improvement District (BID) to support local businesses, encourage investment and improve the city centre experience. Support for independent businesses and start-ups is also available through Colbea at the Digital Forum.
The council continues to promote Colchester through Visit Colchester and partnerships with organisations including Visit Essex, VisitEngland and Greater Anglia, helping attract visitors to Britain's First City.
The city also continues to benefit from major events. This includes the popular Summer Series in Castle Park, delivered by council-owned Amphora Colchester Events, which has attracted tens of thousands of visitors this year, boosting footfall for local businesses and showcasing Colchester as a leading destination for culture, entertainment and leisure.
Recent investment and visitor figures demonstrate growing confidence in the city centre. Lion Walk welcomed 10 million visitors for the first time in 2025 while maintaining full occupancy, with brands including Pret joining the city centre offer. Further developments at Minerva House (the former M&S unit) and the arrival of brands such as Skechers and Søstrene Grene in Culver Square are expected to build on that momentum.
A partnership approach to community safety
The council continues to work closely with Essex Police and other partners to tackle anti-social behaviour and support a safe, welcoming city centre.
Essex Police has a dedicated city centre team, working alongside council wardens through regular partnership patrols.
Colchester Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, Martin Willsher, said: “By working closely with Colchester City Council and our other partners, we are taking a coordinated approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, ensuring the city centre remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone to live, work and visit.
“This includes increasing our visibility with a dedicated team of officers and PCSOs out on the streets where they will be providing a reassuring presence. If you have any concerns or questions, please come and talk to them.”
Cllr Paul Dundas, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: "Today's decision demonstrates our commitment to investing in a city centre that residents can be proud of and businesses can have confidence in.
"We know businesses continue to face challenges, but we are determined to do everything within our powers to support them, encourage investment and create a welcoming environment where people want to spend time.
"Clean streets, attractive public spaces and visible frontline services all play an important role in the success of the city centre. This investment builds on the positive progress already taking place across Colchester and is another step towards making our city centre an even better place to live, work, visit and invest."
Cllr David King, Deputy Leader of Colchester City Council, added: "This is a practical investment that will make a visible difference on the ground.
"The additional equipment, new staff and enhanced support for our wardens will strengthen our ability to keep the city centre clean, welcoming and safe while supporting residents, visitors and local businesses. Alongside our work with the BID, Essex Police and other partners, this forms part of a wider programme of action. To reinforce our growing reputation as an attractive visitor destination, helping support a thriving city centre. Pulling together, to build Colchester's future."
Looking ahead
Colchester City Council will continue working with businesses, residents and partner organisations to build on recent successes, support economic growth and strengthen the city's reputation as a great place to live, work, visit and invest.