A planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of St Botolph’s Quarter in central Colchester, marking a key milestone in the city’s wider regeneration plans. Masterplanned by Haworth Tompkins, with landscape design by LDA Design, this major public realm scheme has been developed with Colchester City Council and LCR Property, to transform the area into a more connected, welcoming and vibrant destination.
At the heart of the £7 million scheme is a new public realm centred around the ruins of the 11th-century St Botolph’s Priory, the first Augustinian priory in England. The project will convert an existing car park into a lively new plaza, St Botolph’s Square and introduce a green, inclusive walking route from Colchester Town station through the Priory Gardens and onto Castle Park.
The design, developed in consultation with Historic England and English Heritage, aim to restore the lost layout of the Priory Gardens with new footpaths, seating, and planting. The scheme enhances access to this Scheduled Ancient Monument and supports community use through spaces for events and markets.
This first phase of the masterplan reflects extensive community engagement, led by our collaborator HAT Architects, and lays the foundation for longer-term regeneration across the city centre by 2030.
Haworth Tompkins has three projects shortlisted at this year’s Pineapple Awards: The Developer and Festival of Place, which celebrate excellence in placemaking. The shortlists demonstrate the strength of our approach to placemaking and collaborative design.
Unanimous planning permission has been granted for Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula, a new 3,000-capacity performance venue designed by Haworth Tompkins.
Haworth Tompkins Associate Director Ken Okonkwo has been reappointed as a Mayor’s Design Advocate (MDA) for the 2025–2028 term, marking his second appointment to the role.
2025 was a demanding year for the built environment, but also one of real momentum for Haworth Tompkins. Against a challenging economic and political backdrop, the practice continued to adapt, collaborate and deliver work of lasting value.
The £2 billion York Central regeneration project has submitted the latest planning application for the next stage of delivery and includes Haworth Tompkins designs for Foundry Village; a walkable, street-based neighbourhood designed that will deliver 368 mixed-tenure homes.
Theatr Clwyd has been shortlisted for Theatre Building of the Year at this year’s Stage Awards.
Pembroke Mill Lane, Cambridge and The Warburg Renaissance have been selected as Regional Finalists in the 2026 Civic Trust Awards and will now be considered for National Awards with the winners announced January 2026.
Haworth Tompkins has completed Backstage at the Old Vic, a new build six storey extension to the Grade II* listed Old Vic Theatre, in London’s Waterloo marking a bold new chapter in the theatre’s remarkable 200-year story.
| 30.10.25 | Construction Reaches Topping Off Milestone for the New Home of the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University → |
| 28.07.25 | Haworth Tompkins reveals plans for the redevelopment of Grade I listed De La Warr Pavilion → |
| 13.05.25 | Haworth Tompkins to lead design of affordable housing in £2.5 Billion York Central Regeneration → |