A planning application has been submitted for proposed improvements to the Shrub End Community and Sports Centre, which could bring significant investment into Colchester and create more opportunities for residents of all ages and backgrounds to take part in sport and community activities.
Colchester City Council and Colchester United Community Foundation are working in partnership with the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation on the proposed development. Essex County Football Association is supporting the project as the strategic lead for grassroots football in Essex, helping to bring together partners from across the football and wider sporting community.
The proposal includes two new full-size floodlit 3G football turf pitches, improvements to the existing 3G pitch and changes to the pavilion to provide additional spectator toilets and a pitch-side kitchen and servery. The planning application also includes an extension to the car park to support the anticipated increase in activity at the site.
Significant investment in Colchester
The project could bring more than £2 million of Football Foundation investment into Colchester, alongside funding from Colchester United Community Foundation and Section 106 contributions allocated by Colchester City Council for sports provision.
The project could bring more than £2 million of Football Foundation investment into Colchester, alongside funding from Colchester United Community Foundation and Section 106 contributions allocated by Colchester City Council for sports provision.
The plans respond to an identified shortage of full-size 3G pitches in Colchester. The latest supporting report identifies a shortfall of 5.5 full-size pitch equivalents across the city and describes Shrub End as a strategic site for football in Colchester.
If approved, the development would make it possible to host more matches, training sessions and community activities throughout the year, reducing the disruption caused by poor weather.
Supporting families, clubs and community groups
Shrub End already has a strong community role, with almost 2,000 people accessing the site each week. The additional pitches would allow more existing programmes to be brought together at Shrub End and provide further capacity for local clubs, schools and community organisations.
Shrub End already has a strong community role, with almost 2,000 people accessing the site each week. The additional pitches would allow more existing programmes to be brought together at Shrub End and provide further capacity for local clubs, schools and community organisations.
The plans have been shaped through extensive engagement with local clubs and community organisations and will also support activities for women and girls, disabled participants, older people and community groups that currently face barriers to accessing suitable facilities.
Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure at Colchester City Council, said: “Sport has an important role in helping people lead healthy lives, building confidence and bringing communities together. These proposals could create more opportunities for children, families and residents of all ages to take part throughout the year.
“The plans would build on Shrub End’s existing role as a community sports venue and help respond to the demand for improved facilities across Colchester.”
Councillor William Sunnucks, Portfolio Holder for Resources and Assets at Colchester City Council, said: “This proposal represents an opportunity to attract significant external investment into an existing council-owned sports site, improving the facilities available to residents while supporting their sustainable use for the future.
“Football brings people together, helping young people stay active, develop teamwork skills and improve their physical wellbeing.
“The planning application will be considered independently through the Council’s normal planning process before any decision is made.”
Corin Haines, Colchester United Community Foundation Chief Executive Officer, said: “Colchester United Community Foundation are delighted to be working with our partners to bring forward these proposals for Shrub End Community & Sport Centre, several years of strategic planning and consultation have brought us to this point. Having successfully operated the existing facilities in partnership with CCC since 2006, the site now requires further development to meet local demand and ensure high-quality facilities are maintained and accessed by thousands of beneficiaries each week.
“The aim is to create facilities that can be enjoyed by local clubs, schools, community groups and residents throughout the year. The project has the potential to increase participation in sport, support grassroots clubs and provide lasting benefits for all areas of our local community. This vison aligns perfectly with our charitable objectives whilst also helping us to further Inspire, Enrich and Unite our communities for many more years to come.”
Brendan Walshe, Essex County FA Chief Executive, explained: “As the strategic lead for grassroots football in Essex, we are pleased to be working with partners from across the football community to help bring forward proposals which could increase opportunities for participation and improve facilities for clubs, players, coaches, volunteers and local communities.”
“This planning application aligns with our #MovingForward Strategy 2028 commitment to improve quality facilities which sustain and grow participation. Grassroots football’s value extends far beyond the pitch, improving health and wellbeing and strengthening communities. This investment could help more residents, of all ages and backgrounds, to enjoy those benefits through accessible opportunities to play sport, connect with others and take part in community activity.”
Next steps
The planning application will now be considered through the council's normal planning process.
The planning application will now be considered through the council's normal planning process.
Residents will be able to view the application and submit comments through the council's planning portal as part of the consultation process.