The opening date has been pushed to to 26 April 2021 should government guidelines allow. This will help ensure that the Northern Gateway Sports Park, which was on track to open by Easter 2021, can open safely.

The new facility is unique in Essex in featuring a one-mile floodlit cycle track. The facility will have a range of adult and children road bikes, BMX and adaptive bikes for hire, which will enable cycling for all. The track will provide leisurely cyclists a safe space to ride their bikes whilst providing serious cyclists with a facility to challenge themselves and to improve.    

The 76-acre sport and leisure facility also features a learn to ride facility and cycle pump track for children, alongside 3G pitches, grass rugby pitches, a multi-use sports centre, indoor cricket, badminton, and futsal. Other facilities include a fitness suite, exercise and dance studios, an interactive velo studio and meeting rooms and a Paddy & Scott’s café. 

A new clubhouse has also been built overlooking the 3G and grass pitches which will become the new home of Colchester Rugby Football Club, whilst an archery range and clubhouse has been constructed to the south of the site which will become home to the Colchester and District Archery Club. 

The development is part of a wider sport and leisure development, all being project managed by Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd.  It has been supported by funding from groups including British Cycling, Sport England, and from England and Wales Cricket Club.