Colchester Institute

Colchester Campus

Campus Information

Main Switchboard / Reception (01206) 712000
Facsimile (01206) 712800
Sheepen Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3LL

Colchester Institute’s main campus is within easy walking distance of both the railway station and the town centre.

Travelling by car

If arriving via the A12 from the south take the A133 exit signposted for Colchester Central. Follow the signs for Town Centre. At the third roundabout take the fourth exit into Sheepen Road, signposted for Colchester Institute and the campus is on the left, beyond the retail park. A public car park is on the right.

If arriving via the A12 from the north or the A120 from the east (Clacton) take the A1232 exit, and follow signs for the Town Centre. At the double roundabout take the third exit onto Cowdray Avenue, signposted for Leisure World. At the second roundabout take the left hand filter lane onto Westway, signposted for Town Centre, and at the next roundabout take the fourth exit into Sheepen Road, as above.

Please note, there is no visitor parking available at the Sheepen Road campus, visitors should park in the nearby public pay and display car park on Sheepen Road.

Subsidised Travel Scheme

Colchester Institute runs a travel scheme where students can purchase a bus or train pass to travel to College at a greatly reduced cost. This scheme is open to students studying a full-time further education course and the fee for 2008-2009 is £115 per term. For further information telephone (01206) 712555.

Inter-site Transport

At regular times of the day, a free bus service runs between the campuses at Church Road, Clacton and Sheepen Road, Colchester. It also passes close to the Thomas Road, Clacton Campus. Details can be obtained from our Customer Services Team (01206) 712777.

New Campus

In 2008 the first buildings, as part of a £100 million re-build will be open to students. In 2009 further buildings will be available on the Sheepen Road campus.

Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy

The Colchester campus has a range of public salons run by the Centre for Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy. Students, staff and members of the general public can book in for a range of treatments, from manicure and pedicure to a relaxing massage. From a wash and blow dry, to colouring and re-style. All treatments are carried out by students under the supervision of their lecturers.

Food! Glorious Food!

Meals and snacks are available on campus from the refectories and snack bars. You can also book lunch and dinner in the training restaurants operated by the Centre for Hospitality and Food Studies (CH&FS). Students and visitors can choose to eat at our popular bistro style restaurant, the Colne Bistro, which offers informal but delicious food at lunchtime, or the Balkerne Restaurant, which offers an eclectic selection of English, French and international dishes and wines.

For those who want to experience the ultimate in fine cuisine there are also gourmet evenings and themed events. Both restaurants are of excellent value and are located in our dedicated to hospitality and food studies building. There is also a take-away shop for snacks prepared by our catering students.

Car Parking

Limited on-site parking is available in the student car park. A permit system along with daily charges is applicable, but there is no guarantee of a parking space. There are several public car parks close to the College. The campus is easily accessible by public transport, with the town centre and the main line railway station each approximately ten minutes walk away.

Art, Design and Media at The Minories

The Colchester School of Art, Design and Media took residency of the historic Minories building in May 2008. This historic building is well known locally as being associated with the arts community and we intend to extend this through our exhibitions and Art and Design Postgraduate studies.