Our campuses: Colchester

The largest, and original University campus is based at Wivenhoe Park on the outskirts of Colchester in north Essex. Set in over 200 acres of attractive parkland, much of it landscaped in the eighteenth century, the Colchester Campus is a mixture of 1960s buildings and more recent additions including the recently opened 1000-seater Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall.

Sixteen of the University’s academic departments are based at the Colchester Campus. They are housed in a series of bustling squares, all inter-linked, designed by architect Kenneth Capon. The close proximity of the academic departments was designed to reflect, and nurture, the inter-disciplinary nature of teaching and research at the University.

As well as teaching and research facilities, the Colchester Campus is also home to the Albert Sloman Library, shops, banks, restaurants and a wide variety of student accommodation.

Although its origins go back to pre-Roman times, Colchester is a modern, busy town which has become, in recent years, a thriving cultural and entertainment centre for the region. Its many attractions include the Colchester Arts Centre, the Mercury Theatre, the new firstsite:newsite contemporary arts facility, the Leisure World complex and Colchester Castle.