Big improvements are coming to Colchester’s city centre parking.
From 6 February to 3 March, St John’s will be closed while we carry out essential upgrades, including waterproofing, and installing better lighting and CCTV, and soon, widening bays for modern vehicles.
These works are part of a £1 million investment in St John’s and St Mary’s car parks to make parking easier, safer, and ready for the future. And with Britannia Car Park due to close later this year for its own major regeneration, we’re getting ahead by improving St John’s now – so there’s a reliable alternative when Britannia shuts.
Where to park while St John’s is closed
We’re sorry for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause. We’ll be working hard to keep disruption to an absolute minimum, and there is plenty of alternative parking available nearby. In fact, there are typically 500+ spaces available at peak times across the city centre. Here are five great alternatives:
1. St Mary’s Car Park – 577 spaces
Just a short walk from the High Street, St Mary’s has plenty of room and is a great option if you’re heading into the city centre.
2. Britannia Car Park – 369 spaces
Britannia is still open for now, so it’s another convenient choice before its own improvements begin later this year.
3. Priory Street Car Park – 169 spaces
Next to Firstsite Art Gallery and just a few minutes from the High Street, Priory Street is a convenient choice for quick visits and city centre trips.
4. Napier Road South & North – Over 100 spaces combined
These two car parks are tucked just off Circular Road. They’re not much further to walk than St Mary’s – perfect if you want a quieter spot.
5. Butt Road Car Park – 120 spaces
Close to the city centre and usually with spaces available, Butt Road is a handy alternative during the closure.
Once the works are complete, St John’s will be better than ever, with improved access, and upgraded fire security – making parking easier to access and safer for years to come.
Why the work is needed
Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council and Chair of Team Colchester, said: “We’re carrying out essential upgrades to improve access into St Mary’s and St John’s car parks, enhance fire safety, and widening the entranceway for St John’s so it’s more comfortable for people to use. These improvements will help create a better overall experience for visitors from the moment they arrive.
“In the near future, we’re also planning further enhancements - including widening bays – to help accommodate modern vehicles, and some other works to waterproofing. These later works will be far less disruptive, but together with the current upgrades they will make our city centre car parks more accessible and user‑friendly.”
Part of a bigger picture
These car park improvements are just one piece of a much bigger transformation for Colchester. The City Centre Masterplan, delivered by Team Colchester and We Are Colchester with government investment, is unlocking millions in funding to create a vibrant, inclusive city centre fit for the future.
From the redevelopment of St Botolph’s Circus to the restoration of Jumbo, and from the new Digital Forum opening this month to the thriving St Nicholas Square, over 15 major projects are underway. Together, they’re boosting culture, tourism, and business – making this the year Colchester truly steps into its city status.
Discover more about Colchester’s transformation, visit: www.colchester.gov.uk/citycentre.