Tollgate Village is a retail, leisure and social destination on the outskirts of Colchester in Essex. It incorporates the existing retail units with new purpose built facilities in a user ‘experience lead’ setting of public realm landscape. Liz Lake Associates were appointed to continue their involvement with the scheme having previously assisted in achieving outline consent. The proposals incorporate various character areas, including the main retail promenade, feature leisure plaza and steps, green links and boundary planting. The design aims to provide variety and interest for users, whilst maximising the potential of the site as a commercial enterprise.

Working closely with architects Corstophine + Wright architects, the high quality, landscape led scheme was developed to tie in with the contemporary retail architecture. The scheme has presented numerous challenges, with significant level changes and vehicular access issues as examples. Working closely with the design team, many of the issues were resolved early on to fully integrate them into the landscape, turning these constraints into features themselves.

In a challenging sector, the architectural and landscape response brings a welcoming open all hours destination which is equally as captivating in day as it is illuminated in the evening. The users comfort, safety and interaction in the environment enhancing the experience and success to this facility for all the family.