Colchester finally gets its big-screen moment

The long wait for a cinema's arrival at a new leisure park in Colchester has come to an end.

Vue Cinema opened to customers at the Northern Gateway Leisure Park on Friday.

Cineworld had originally planned to take on the site in 2021, but pulled out during a company-wide restructuring in 2024.

Some neighbouring businesses, including a bowling alley and several fast food restaurants, have already opened at the leisure park – situated next to Colchester United's stadium.

But Cineworld's withdrawal meant many vendors hoping to set up shop at Northern Gateway followed suit or pressed pause on their plans.

Colchester City Council's Liberal Democrat leader David King said he remained hopeful the opening of the nine-screen cinema would attract new vendors and fill remaining vacant units.

The cost of the project was estimated at £65m in 2021 and the local authority part-funded the scheme. The council would not reveal how much costs had risen by.

"Detailed information on overall spends and budget is not publicly disclosed where it is commercially sensitive and could prejudice the council's position," a spokesman

Labour councillor Chris Pearson, portfolio holder for economic growth and transformation, said the cinema would bring jobs, boost footfall and further establish Northern Gateway as a key leisure destination.

Independent restaurant owner Sergio Teacu opened Taste of Italy at the park in December 2024.

Speaking to the BBC at the time, he said he feared the business might not survive without customers drawn in by the nearby cinema.

"Now it's here, I feel genuinely optimistic. For a small independent restaurant like ours, footfall is everything," he said, speaking on Friday.

"It's brought a buzz back to the leisure park."

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