COLCHESTER’S park and ride will host drive-in cinemas, static car meets and theatre workshops after a visionary proposal was approved.

Essex County Council wants to breathe new life into the struggling facility in Cuckoo Farm Way which sees just 17 per cent of its occupancy used.

Colchester Council has now granted the authority ongoing permission to use the 970 space car park as a base for temporary events whenever it desires.

County Hall has vowed to keep the park and ride service at the forefront of the site’s offering and will be bound to ensure 500 parking spaces are available from 6.30am to 7.30pm Monday to Saturday.

Gazette: Struggling- the park and ride is operating at just 17 per cent capacityStruggling- the park and ride is operating at just 17 per cent capacity (Image: Newsquest)

It wants to offer commercial opportunities to bring people to Colchester and to cut traffic, while also offering extra services for park and ride customers.

Planning documents reveal the county council wants to offer the chance for theatre workshops, driving courses and cycle safety training schemes to run on the land off junction 28 of the A12.

Church services, car washing, and drive-in cinemas could also be hosted, as well as coffee vendors, car boot sales and static car meets which have already been enjoyed by enthusiasts there.

A statement reads: “Allowing other uses at the site will make effective use of the land, add value and provide benefit to the communities it serves.

Gazette: Proposal - drive-in cinema and driving events can now be held at Colchester's park and ride with ongoing permission securedProposal - drive-in cinema and driving events can now be held at Colchester's park and ride with ongoing permission secured (Image: Newsquest)

“It should be noted that the proposals for temporary uses will form a secondary function of the site and will not be at the expense of the primary function as a park and ride facility.”

Changing habits post-pandemic have taken a grim toll on the park and ride service, with monthly ticket sales 60 per cent down on pre-pandemic levels.

Colchester Council approved its counterpart’s application but stated no music or amplified sound can be played on the premises outside of its normal operating hours.

No vehicles will be allowed to be left idling during events and floodlighting has been banned.