Colchester church's £600,000 renovation to feature a "green oasis"
Plans also include safety features like improved lighting and CCTV
A £600,000 renovation project will convert a historic churchyard into a “green oasis” in an Essex city, a council boss has said. Works will start in a number of weeks on Trinity Square, which surrounds Colchester’s oldest building – Holy Trinity Church. Plans include new planting and landscaping, upgraded lighting, restored railings and gates, and CCTV “to help keep the area safe and well managed.”
The church has not been used for religious services since 1954 and has been empty since 2017.
David King, Lib Dem, leader of Colchester City Council, said: “Opening up this inaccessible place is a respect for the history of our city. It also shows our commitment to extending renewal through the whole of the city centre. A green oasis in the centre is all that visitors and residents should want in a wonderful heritage setting.”
Works are expected to run from spring through to autumn 2026. The project will reopen the graveyard and add seating areas for residents and visitors. In early February, it was announced that the council is working with events firm Colchester Amphora on the church revamp, following St Helena’s Hospice’s withdrawal from the project at the end of last year due to sector-wide financial challenges.
A council spokesman added: “We know people care deeply about this historic part of Colchester – and we do too. The improvements are designed to respect the site’s heritage while making it feel more open, cared for and better connected to surrounding streets and businesses.
“Safety has been a key consideration, shaped by feedback from residents and developed alongside community safety partners, Essex Police and others. The main churchyard will continue to be locked at dusk, supported by improved lighting and CCTV.”