£65m Colchester leisure scheme to feature Wendy's and bigger Travelodge

Turnstone Estates' £65m leisure development in Colchester has added two drive-through restaurants to its line-up of operators and signed a new contract with Travelodge.

Travelodge has increased the size of the planned hotel from 80 to 90 beds, while Greggs and American fast-food chain Wendy's will each be opening a drive-through restaurant.

Leases have already been agreed with Hollywood Bowl for a 20-lane bowling alley and Puttstars for an indoor golf centre. The scheme will also include seven further restaurants.

Planning approval for the 200,000 sq ft leisure development, located south of Junction 28 of the A12, was granted by Colchester Borough Council in December 2020.

Chris Goldsmith, managing director of Turnstone Estates, said: "Despite the recent pandemic which created uncertainty in the sector, we are delighted to welcome Wendy's, Fastned and Greggs to the line-up and accommodate a larger offering from Cineworld and Travelodge. We expect to announce other lettings and a contractor shortly and start work on site in the New Year."

Travelodge's UK development director, Tony O'Brien, added: "Colchester has a real shortage of good value, branded budget hotels and this location and the fantastic leisure amenities will make it a brilliant place to stay, for leisure and business customers visiting the area."

Turnstone Estates was advised by Whybrow and Wareing and Partners. Savills acted for Wendy's, Stephen Kane & Co for Greggs and Carter Jonas for Travelodge