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.
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.
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 29 September and 8 November 2026.
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.
Please complete the survey here.
