Landmark City Centre Redevelopment Brings New Digital Workspace to Colchester

A long-derelict landmark in Colchester city centre has reopened as the Digital Forum, a new home for digital, creative and high-profile tech businesses.

The £6.25 million redevelopment of the former bus depot marks a significant step in the regeneration of this part of the city, creating flexible workspace, meeting and event facilities in a building that has stood empty for several years.

Designed to meet rising demand for hybrid working, collaboration and high-quality city-centre office space, the Digital Forum brings together private offices, co-working and hot-desking, supported by ultra-fast 10Gb connectivity and smart building infrastructure. The building sits within easy reach of Colchester’s transport links, retail and hospitality offer, reinforcing the city centre as a place to work, meet and do business.

The front of the Digital Forum pays homage to the site’s cultural past by reflecting the original 1800s Theatre Royal façade, which once stood proudly on Queen Street before being destroyed by fire on 4 September 1918. The design complements the surrounding Grade II listed buildings – notably 37 Queen Street (the former Police Station).

Inside, the development retains elements of the building’s historic character, including exposed brickwork and industrial detailing, while introducing contemporary design features, mezzanines and balconied office space. The result is a distinctive working environment that honours Colchester’s heritage while signalling its ambitions for a vibrant, digital future.

Parris Andrews, Deputy CEO of Colbea, who will be operating the space, said: “The Digital Forum is an incredible building, and will breathe new life into the city centre. We have combined heritage in design with cutting-edge architecture and technology to create a space that is future-fit for our ambitious city centre.

“Ahead of the opening, we are already in advanced talks with some major tech brands to move into the office space. In addition, the building will provide meeting space, co-working, and hot-desking designed around how people want to work today. It will play an important role in the next phase of regeneration in this part of Colchester.”

The development has been largely funded through a £6.25 million investment from the Local Growth Fund, the UK government’s Local Regeneration Fund, and Colchester City Council, reflecting a wider strategy to support economic growth, attract skilled jobs and strengthen the city centre as a business destination.

Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, attended the event: “This Digital Forum shows the momentum now building across Colchester’s city centre. With new public spaces like St Nicholas Square, the upcoming St Botolph’s Quarter, the restoration of Jumbo and private investment such as Minerva House (the former M&S), we are seeing real, visible change.

“Bringing this historic building back into productive use adds to that sense of confidence and creates the kind of modern workspace that attracts talent, supports innovation and strengthens our local economy.”

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Transformation and Economic Growth at Essex County Council, said: “The new Digital Forum in Colchester will create an exciting new space for innovative entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing businesses – supporting their expansion and helping create jobs for residents in the digital skills space. This is just one part of an exciting programme of regeneration taking place across Colchester.”

For Colbea, the Digital Forum represents an expansion of its long-established role supporting entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs across North Essex. The building adds premium workspace and collaboration facilities to Colbea’s existing business support offer, creating a central hub for innovation, training and networking.

In addition to office accommodation for up to 30 people, the Digital Forum includes meeting rooms, event space, breakout areas and communal facilities. These will host business events, workshops and partnership activity, providing a focal point for collaboration between businesses, educators and investors.

With its combination of heritage architecture, flexible workspace and high-speed connectivity, the Digital Forum is expected to become a key asset for Colchester’s digital and creative economy and a catalyst for further regeneration in the surrounding area.

• The Colchester Digital Forum is operated by Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea). • The project was funded through a £6.25 million investment from the Local Growth Fund, the UK government’s Local Regeneration Fund, UKSPF and Colchester City Council. • Facilities include private offices, co-working, hot-desking, meeting rooms and event space, with 10Gb connectivity throughout. • Colbea supports entrepreneurs and SMEs across North Essex through workspace, finance and business support services.