£4.5 million historic church revamp plans could be back on track
The Holy Trinity Church in Colchester could have a cafe and a space for community groups
A £4.5million revamp of an Essex church, which is the oldest building in the city, could be back on track. Events company Colchester Amphora, which also offers CCTV, internet services and other infrastructure, looks set to run the Holy Trinity Church in Colchester, if plans are agreed to re-open it.
Plans include space for community groups, a cafe and more. Colchester City Council is behind the plans and says the firm “provides a sustainable and realistic route to reopening.”
It comes after St Helena’s Hospice pulled out of the project, at the end of last year, due to sector-wide financial challenges, but the council insists it “remains committed to breathing new life” into the church.
A council spokesman said: “The decision to appoint Colchester Amphora as the preferred operating partner to develop the scheme follows a detailed and independently tested business plan.
“While earlier charity‑led proposals were unable to progress, Amphora’s approach provides a sustainable and realistic route to reopening Holy Trinity Church – Colchester’s oldest standing building – for community use.
“Working with Amphora, we are now preparing a refreshed The National Lottery Heritage Fund bid. Subject to the outcome of that bid, we aim to share further updates this Summer.”
The church has not been used for religious services since 1954 and has been standing empty since 2017. The project for the 11th-century building had previously secured a grant of £500,000 from the Government.
The surrounding graveyard of the church is also undergoing a revamp too. The Trinity Square project focuses on “reviving” the historical and cultural heart of the churchyard. The “vibrant” public space will attract visitors and foster a sense of unity within our community. With a £600,000 government grant, the project is set to start by spring 2026 to spring 2027.