Colchester residents fear parking chaos as city centre car park partially closes
Part of Britannia Car Park to shut during £15.2m St Botolph’s Circus upgrade
Last updated 11th Mar 2026
An initial closure of a large city centre car park has sparked worries about drivers “blocking up” residential roads.
Colchester residents fear their streets will become “even more clogged up” with parking, as Colchester City Council will shut about one third of the Britannia Car Park in the city centre.
It has also sparked concerns about the impact on businesses and the wider city. Team Colchester, a group of Essex politicians and council leaders, is working on the plans.
The team says even during busy periods, between 500 and 1,000 parking spaces are typically available across the city centre.
However, concerns have been raised over cars being parked outside homes and on side streets.
Don Roberts, 87, said: “It makes no sense at all. I am sure it will cause more parking outside homes and in side streets. What is the council thinking about. I can’t see the reasoning behind this at all. I’ve never seen a huge amount of empty parking spaces any where in Colchester.”
Holly Girdlestone, 35, said cutting parking is “always a bad idea.” She added: “I don’t think anyone will support this at all. It’s madness, those homes nearby will be plagued with parking issues. The council should rethink this asap, councillors need to be helping the city, not hindering it.”
Parts of the car park will be partially shut due to the £15.2million upgrade, to make the St Botolph’s Circus junction “more pedestrian and people friendly.” Works will start next month and are expected to be completed by autumn 2027. It comes as parts of the car park will eventually shut fully and be replaced by new homes.
Jimmy Carter, 29, said: “We need more parking, not less. I worry about businesses and footfall, we need parking available to support the companies, especially the smaller and independent businesses in Colchester. We all rely on driving, cars and parking, it will never change. It’s also need for the station as well.”
Team Colchester added: “Recent experience has also shown that the city can operate normally even with significant temporary reductions in capacity – including during the full closure of the 645‑space St John’s Car Park for refurbishment. Businesses can continue to share operational issues through Our Colchester BID.
“Team Colchester officers meet with the BID regularly to discuss concerns – including on‑street parking – and to explore whether practical measures or enforcement changes could help. We remain committed to providing clear information and supporting residents, visitors and businesses as the regeneration progresses.”