Celebrating city status for Colchester

The University of Essex is delighted that Colchester has been awarded city status as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours Competition required applicants to demonstrate how their unique communities and distinct local identity meant they deserved to be awarded city status. They were also required to highlight their royal associations and cultural heritage.

Applications were opened last year and almost 40 locations from across the UK and beyond put forward their bids. The applications were evaluated by a panel of experts and Cabinet Office ministers, before a recommendation was put to Her Majesty The Queen.

Our Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster said: "“For many years now, Colchester has really had the buzz of a city so we’re delighted it has been recognised with this status in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year.

“We were wholehearted supporters of Colchester’s bid to be granted city status. Our first and largest campus is located in Colchester and just like us, Colchester has flourished over the past six decades.

“Achieving city status will bring Colchester the visibility and recognition that it deserves regionally and globally. It will help attract new investment that will see it continue to grow and prosper.

“We believe Colchester benefits from having a world-class university on its doorstep and we thrive because of its rich history and vibrant cultural life. We know our students and staff, who come from around the world, will be really excited that their home is being awarded City Status.”

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay said: “I am delighted that a record number of locations have been awarded the prestigious city status as part of Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.

"What was clear to me during the process of assessing each application was the pride that people felt for their communities, local cultural heritage and the Royal Family.

“As we celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s colossal contribution to society, I am thrilled that we are able to recognise some of the many places that make Britain great."

Winning city status can provide a boost to local communities and open up new opportunities for people who live there, as is the case with previous winners Perth and Preston where residents have described how their success contributed to increased national and global standing, putting them on the international map as a place to do business.

Research shows that Perth, which was granted city status in 2012 as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, has reaped the full benefits, with the local economy expanding by 12% in the decade it was granted city status.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries MP said: "City Status is a huge accolade and I congratulate our eight brilliant winners. This competition showcases the best of Britain and the Overseas Territories and will act as a lasting legacy of Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee."

‘Letters Patent’ will now be prepared which will confer each of the awards formally and will be presented to winners later in the year.

Earlier this year, Southend, where we also have a campus, was granted city status as a tribute to the late Sir David Amess MP, who had campaigned for city status for Southend throughout his career.