MAJOR players in the town centre regeneration plans have had their say on where they think government funding should be spent.

Various projects have been set up with a vision of attracting more people to the town.

The South Lanes Project, which covers St Isaac’s Walk, Eld Lane, Trinity Street and Scheregate Steps, is in the final ten of the Rising Star category of the Great British High Street Awards.

Neil Gibb, who spearheaded the project, said the town must focus on its differences and what is already there.

He said: “We talk about three things - creativity, community and commerce.

“A lot of regeneration focuses on economics which is important as it brings jobs and money, but to balance that we need to think about these three things which include arts and culture and social aspects.

“I believe every town likes to commission things themselves but really it’s about empowering what is already there.

“The Colchester Makerspace is a really good idea, so how can we create more spaces like 37 Queen Street?

“It’s about playing to your strengths and what makes Colchester amazing is it’s independent shops.

“We need to focus on what makes Colchester different and how to attract unusual, one-off businesses.”

He also stressed the need for a stronger relationship with Essex University and its Innovation Centre.

He said: “There’s an opportunity for the town to focus on the technology centre there as there are a lot of start-ups here.”

A number of areas across the town have been earmarked for much-needed regeneration, including Priory Walk.

Jonathan Reubin, chartered surveyor for the shops in Priory Walk, said the promise of the money would have to be kept.

He said: “The sum seems great but in terms of infrastructure and regeneration its not a lot.

“Whatever is decided, it has to be long lasting and be attractive enough to increase footfall.

“Making the town centre attractive to residents and visitors alike is important so streets must be well maintained and free of the intimidation of lounging beggars, drug addicts and drunks.

“The buses have to be quieter and pollutant free and not allowed to slew across two lanes at bus stops blocking traffic flow.

“I would prefer to see trams but £25m will not stretch to that or anyway near it.”

A former retail boss has said the town centre’s infrastructure must be resolved as a priority.

Nick Chilvers has suggested a number of projects to regenerate the town centre and regularly speaks at council meetings.

He said: “In the town centre there needs to be funding for distinct and permanent arches to give the now named South Lanes an identity.

“The traders are trying but do need some capital spent to make the area look special and give a sense of arrival.

“Lighting also needs attention along there. An arch and name halfway along Trinity Street, the

start of Sir Issacs Walk and Short Wyre Street.”

He suggested if developer Alumno’s appeal to build student homes near Firstsite falls through, small-scale homes for elderly residents should be considered.

He said: “Hopefully the Alumno appeal will fail and new proposals can be considered with small-scale housing that matches Priory Street for couples and retired to add to those living in the centre, and fund half of the undeveloped area with landscaped open space that can be used for community cultural events.

“We also need to smarten up the areas opposite Jacks and around Jumbo but not go

overboard. Give Trinity Street Church base area some TLC and open that up to the public during the daytime.

“Also re-visit the layout in Osborne Street to improve the experience for bus operators and public.

“Funding will be needed if we want people to use public transport more.

“It’s a chaotic mess down there.”

Their thoughts come after the government announced Colchester could bid of millions of pounds to improve the town centre.