PROJECTS to create an independent shopping quarter in Colchester and turn the former police station into a business centre could be revived by an ambitious funding bid.

The Shops on the Walls scheme, earmarked for streets such as Sir Isaac’s Walk and Eld Lane, has stalled due to lack of investment.

The idea is to create a high quality shopping area, similar to Brighton’s famous Lanes.

Funding is also needed to turn the old police station, in Queen Street, into a creative business centre after an EU bid was rejected.

A saviour could have been found in Essex’s economic growth plan, which will be submitted to the Government next week.

Essex County Council’s cabinet yesterday agreed to stump up £115million for infrastructure projects between 2015 and 2021.

See Wednesday's Gazette for the full story.