The Digital Forum – The Old Bus Depot, Colchester

New mixed-use office development

Appointment: RIBA stage 0-6

In partnership with Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd the Old Bus Depot Site, Queen Street, will become home to The Digital Forum, a collaborative workspace focused on new and emerging businesses and technologies.

Through stages RIBA 0-3 Inkpen Downie have worked with Colchester Amphora and Colchester Borough Council to secure Planning Approval and Scheduled Monument Consent for this sensitive site in the City of Colchester's Conservation Area, adjacent Colchester’s Roman Wall. Planning Approval was required to support the Council’s business case bid to the South East Local Economic Partnership (SELEP)’s Local Growth Fund which was successful. 

The project being constructed by Horizon Group is currently in the second half of the construction phase with completion predicted in Spring 2025. The completion of this project will open up the possibility of further devlopment in the vacant brownfield sites to the rear of First Site, Curzon, and the Digital Forum.

As lead Designer/Architects & Conservation Architect on new build, through RIBA 0-6, we've been working with Design Team: Daniel Connal Partnership (QS, CA for Demolition, Party Wall Surveyor); Conisbee (Structural Engineer, CARE SE), John Slater Hayward (M&E) and CDC Limited(Acoustic and Fire).