COLCHESTER town centre is set to change dramatically over the coming years. In part influenced by the Covid pandemic and the changing retail market, some big names are likely to be leaving the high street soon. But there are also more positive changes on their way, with huge investment on its way to the town centre. One part of the town is set to see more of this investment than most. The area around St Nicholas Square, in St Nicholas Street, is set to undergo a total revamp. The old co-op department store, in Long Wyre Street, is being totally transformed into a new retail, leisure and homes development, anchored by a new Loungers restaurant.
Asos confirmed a £265 million takeover of four Arcadia brands - Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT. The move will see the online clothing giant take on 300 members of staff but all of the stores will close permanently, including Colchester’s Topshop, in Lion Walk Shopping Centre. The news is another big blow for Colchester town centre and follows hot on the heels of the announcement department shop Debenhams, in Culver Street West, will also close. Other retailers including the likes of Paperchase and Edinburgh Woollen Mill are also under threat. So we asked you which big names you would like to see coming to Colchester in the future.