Colchester Bus Station Interchange Consultation

Overview

Following the closure of the former bus station in 2013, Osborne Street became the city's main public bus station interchange. Since then, bus services have evolved and grown, and travel patterns have changed. While Osborne Street continues to play an important role, increasing demand means the current facilities are under pressure and have limited capacity to accommodate future need.

By 2041, it is estimated that Osborne Street will be operating at over four times the capacity it is designed for.  

Both passengers and bus operators have also expressed dissatisfaction with the current provision. 

 

Modelling indicates a need for up to 25 bus stops and five layover bays within the Interchange by 2041. 

Essex County Council and Colchester City Council are therefore exploring proposals for a new Colchester Bus Station Interchange.

Following an assessment of potential city centre locations, Painters Yard has been identified as the most viable site to take forward to consultation. It offers the right balance of location, space to meet operational needs and passenger infrastructure while also providing links to the city centre and railway station.

Artist impression image showing how a new bus station could look at Painters Yard.This shows an open space and First Site in the background

Why your views matter

What are we consulting on?

We are exploring how a new Colchester Bus Station Transport Interchange at Painters Yard could help meet the city's future needs.

The consultation will run between 29th September and 8th November. 

Your feedback will help us understand what is most important to residents, businesses, visitors and transport users. We will use the results of this consultation to help refine the proposals and develop a preferred design for future stages of the project.

Read our consultation guide here 

For more information visit www.essexhighways.org/colchester-bus-interchange.

 

Data protection

Essex County Council fully complies with information legislation. If you would like the full details of how we use personal data, and the rights you have about its use, please go to www.essex.gov.uk/privacy-adults or call 03457 430430.

Share your views

Online Survey

Closes 8 Nov 2026

Opened 29 Sep 2026

Contact

colchesterinterchange@essexhighways.org

Events

  • Colchester Resident's Panel

    From 12 Oct 2026 at 10:00 to 12 Oct 2026 at 12:00
    Colchester Town Hall

    Sign up to the Resident Panel and come along to the next meeting to find out more about the consultation

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

  • Bus Station Interchange Drop-in event

    From 14 Oct 2026 at 14:00 to 14 Oct 2026 at 20:00
    Digital Hub

    Drop in event to find out more about the consultation. 43 Queen Street, Colchester,

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

  • Bus Station Interchange Drop-in event

    From 21 Oct 2026 at 14:00 to 21 Oct 2026 at 20:00
    St Botolph's Church

    Drop in event to find out more about the consultation. Church Walk, St Botolph's Street,

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

Areas

  • Colchester

Audiences

  • Anyone from any background

Interests

  • Activities
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  • Art services
  • Business advice and support
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  • Central government
  • Co-production/ residents’ feedback
  • Community development
  • Community initiatives
  • Community transport
  • COP page
  • Corporate operations
  • Country parks
  • Democracy
  • Early years
  • Environmental planning
  • Health
  • Highways
  • KPI
  • Not on hub
  • Policy making
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  • Safer Greener Healthier
  • Schools
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  • Support for adults
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  • Trading standards
  • Transport planning
  • Waste