Colchester's £6m Digital Forum Reach Major Milestone with Topping Out Ceremony
Colchester’s ambitious £6.25m Digital Forum is nearing completion, with the
completion of the building’s structural framework, marking a major milestone in the
delivery of one of the region’s most important regeneration and technology projects.
Set to open in Autumn, the Digital Forum will offer a state-of-the-art space for digital
businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives in the heart of the city. The development at
43 Queen Street has already attracted strong interest from the tech sector, offering
10GBPS fibre, 5G infrastructure, private studios, co-working spaces, and dedicated
rack space for data-heavy organisations.
With support from Colbea, the city’s leading business support agency, the building
will act as a launchpad for second-stage tech firms and scale-ups seeking flexible,
future-ready premises outside of London and Cambridge.
Simon Mead, Chief Executive of Colbea, is confident in the Forum’s potential
in shaping the regional digital landscape: “The topping out of the Digital Forum
marks a bold step forward for Colchester and for the UK’s growing network of tech-
enabled cities. We’re incredibly proud to be part of a project that is not only
transforming the city centre but redefining what’s possible outside traditional tech
hotspots.
“The Forum offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, unbeatable connectivity, and a
vibrant business environment - all right here in Colchester. With over 2,000 skilled
digital professionals already living and working in the area, we’re excited to welcome
ambitious companies ready to scale in a place where talent, innovation and quality of
life come together.”
Delivered by main contractor Horizon Construction Group, the Forum is designed
with bespoke architectural elements inspired by the historic Theatre Royal, once
located on the same site.
Partners from Colchester City Council, We are Colchester, and Essex County
Council, celebrated the completion of the building’s framework - known as topping
out in the construction industry - ahead of the buildings grand opening later this year.
Reflecting on wider improvements to the city centre, Cllr David King, Leader of
Colchester City Council, said: “The Digital Forum, following on from the nearby
regeneration of St Nicholas Square, is another transformation that will help bring
business and vibrancy into the city. The building complements our plans for St
Botolph’s Quarter and Circus, where we are improving the look and feel of our city
centre as a place to live, work and visit, a hub for innovation, culture, and
commerce.”
Simon Blaxill, Chair of We Are Colchester, added: “The transformation of
Colchester’s city centre is truly something to behold. Alongside the Digital Forum,
we’re looking forward to the exciting changes coming to Trinity Square, the
restoration of Holy Trinity Church, and of course the highly anticipated Jumbo
Project. These developments, together with the ongoing regeneration of St Nicholas
Square and St Botolph’s, will create a vibrant, interconnected environment that will
serve as a magnet for investment, talent, and visitors. The momentum is undeniable,
and we’re all very excited to see Colchester’s evolution unfold this decade.”
Project funding: The project is funded by a combination of South East Local
Enterprise Partnership investment, Colchester City Council budgets, and
government grants, and forms a critical part of the wider City Centre Masterplan.
This includes over £40 million in regeneration initiatives aimed at revitalising public
spaces, improving transport infrastructure, and enabling a more connected, digital-
first future for the city.
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