Latest news with #ColchesterCouncil
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Colchester Council issue update on Jobserve Stadium as Col U takeover deal continues
Colchester Council says it will 'protect and promote' the city's stadium as Colchester United's boss is currently in advanced talks regarding the sale of the club to an American investor. On Tuesday, Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling confirmed he is in advanced talks to sell the club to United States-based consortium, Lightwell Sports Group. There has been a mixed reaction of caution and optimism from the fans so far. Colchester United say they will not be making any further comments while the legal and regulatory processes are ongoing. Chairman - Robbie Cowling (Image: RICHARD BLAXALL) However, The Gazette understands from a credible source that the deal does not include the sale of the JobServe Community Stadium, which is owned by the authority. When approached by The Gazette, a Colchester Council spokesman has explained it is engaging 'constructively with all parties' as negotiations continue. They said: 'As the landlord of the JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester Council recognises the vital importance of the club and the stadium to the local community. 'The stadium is not only home to Colchester United, but is also a community stadium, serving as a key asset for local groups, events, and residents beyond football. Colchester United - the stadium (Image: NEWSQUEST) 'We welcome the assurance that the prospective new owners share a strong commitment to the club's future and the wider community. 'The council has a long-standing lease arrangement with the club, and while we will continue to engage constructively with all parties, we are mindful of the commercial sensitivity surrounding the details of that agreement. 'Our priority remains to protect and promote the stadium as a secure, well-managed, and thriving home for both Colchester United and the many community groups who rely on its facilities.' The spokesman confirmed the council respects the 'confidentiality of any commercial discussions while ensuring that the community use of the stadium is safeguarded'. It is also looking forward to working with the new 'ownership group' to support a smooth transition and the 'long-term success' of the 'important local asset'. Manager - Colchester United's Danny Cowley (Image: RICHARD BLAXALL) Lightwell Sports Group is owned by American businessman Tim Foley. There is not much information about the group online except a website which has a 2025 copyright and a video of Colchester United. Mr Foley's LinkedIn profile states he is the owner of Lightwell Development, a New York based property development firm which built more than 100 apartments last year. He has previously worked for the United World Wresting group as a senior manager of media operations.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Colchester Castle to receive £1.2million to repair its 'at risk' roof
COLCHESTER Castle is to set to receive more than £1million to repair the historic building's roof. Colchester Castle is one of 29 museums across the country to receive a share of almost £25 million to upgrade their buildings as part of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport's Arts Everywhere Fund. Colchester Castle – which is a registered 'at-risk' building by Historic England due to drainage issues on its roof - will receive £1,293,625 in the fund. This fourth round of the government's Museum Estate and Development Fund, worth £24.8 million, is for the next financial year, starting this April. A spokesman for Colchester Council said that works are scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025. Visitors will see scaffolding on the building, but the museum is not expecting any closures during the works. Drainage - The puddles tend to build up in winter when the water does not evarporate, seen in November 2023 (Image: Newsquest) Nationally, hundreds of libraries, heritage buildings, and arts venues will also receive a share of more than £270 million as part of the Arts Everywhere Fund which aims to protect the 660,000 cultural sector support jobs across the country. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 'The funding we are announcing today will allow the arts to continue to flourish across Britain, creating good jobs and growth by fixing the foundations in our cultural venues, museums, libraries and heritage institutions. 'As a government that is on your side, our Plan for Change will ensure that arts and cultural institutions truly are for everyone, everywhere.' Historic - Colchester Castle is the largest Norman keep in Europe (Image: Submitted) A spokesman for Colchester Council said: "Colchester Museums have worked closely with Historic England to find a solution that addresses long-standing issues of damp while being sensitive to the castle's historic fabric. "The repairs will not only improve the castle for visitors and collections but also make it more environmentally sustainable and protect the historic building for the future." Councillor Natalie Sommers added: 'We are incredibly grateful to DCMS and Arts Council England for their generous funding, which will enable us to carry out these essential repairs. "Colchester Castle is a vital part of our heritage, and these works will ensure that it remains a cherished landmark for future generations. The exceptional craftsmanship involved in this project will preserve the Castle's historic character while making it more sustainable and accessible for all.' Colchester Council says it has allocated significant match funding to support the project.
