New 'Cultural Quarter' for Colchester
Following an international competition to find a development partner to create Colchester's cultural quarter, Colchester Borough Council has selected Ash Sakula/Garbe Group as the preferred development team to create a vibrant new area for the town.Ash Sakula will create Colchester's cultural quarter which will complement the nearby firstsite visual arts and cultural attraction, designed by New York based Rafael Viñoly which is currently under construction.
The Ash Sakula/Garbe Group scheme, which was the recommended choice of the judging panel, makes use of the area's existing buildings and includes a mix of independent boutiques, town centre apartments, cafes, roof-top vineyards, workshops and covered market space.
Garbe Director Mick Young said: "We are delighted to be given the opportunity to create something very special for this beautiful and historic town.
"Colchester is a fascinating town that has evolved over the centuries, and the new cultural quarter is perfectly located to help the town's journey to uncover and take forward that heritage and bring it to life."
Cany Ash, of Ash Sakula said: "The key transformation is not the buildings but the life between the buildings, giving Colcestrians and tourists a lively place to explore art, enjoy outdoor performances, buy local produce and exchange ideas. When it comes to the buildings we want to mix innovative architecture with the old - throughout its long history Colchester has always known how to stay with the times."
The cultural quarter will be located in St Botolph's around the back of what was the Keddies building next to the new firstsite. It will be developed over the next 2-3 years and will be another key attraction for the town and surrounding area.