St Anne's Church, Community Garden and Accessibility Project, The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Andrew, St Anne, and St Matthew, Colchester

The aim of this project is to improve accessibility to the rear garden of St Anne’s Church by installing a side entrance with a ramp and raised level on decking. This will provide safe and inclusive access for all users, particularly individuals with impaired mobility, disabilities, and those with prams. To facilitate this, three aged storage sheds currently occupying the area will be removed, and three new sheds will be constructed at the far end of the garden to ensure adequate storage for the various community groups that utilise the space. The improved access will allow all visitors, including wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs, to safely enter the garden. At present, access is restricted due to the only entry point requiring navigation of several steps and . St Anne’s Church serves as a vital hub for the local community, hosting a range of groups and initiatives, including Little Angels Pre-School, 8th Colchester Scouts, 8th Colchester Beavers, 8th Colchester Cubs, Holiday Hunger Breakfast Clubs, Church@10, Mega Kids (monthly kids club), and the recently established Community Café. Additionally, the church organises seasonal community events such as Christmas and summer fayres and Easter egg hunts.

Located within one of the 10% most socially and economically deprived areas in the UK, St Anne’s Church plays a critical role in providing accessible spaces for local residents. Work has already begun to transform the outdoor area into a community garden, but progress has been limited due to the lack of access for individuals with mobility challenges. By addressing this issue, the project will ensure that all members of the community can benefit from the space, expanding opportunities for both current user groups and new initiatives.