Boss of ex-Mill Race Garden Centre site gives update

David Thompson, 64, of Aldham, purchased Mill Race Garden Centre last November after it closed in August and was listed for sale at £2.5 million.

He aims to turn the site into a high-end rural business park named Mill Race Business Park, with a focus on attracting "upmarket office space."

Speaking about his latest meeting with Colchester Council, Mr Thompson said: "We’re waiting to have in writing all their thoughts and considerations.

Before the closure - Mill Race Garden Centre (Image: Mill Race)

Mill Race Moto (Image: NQ)

“I think we’ve had good feedback from the planners on all our proposals on the pre-application.

"Once we have all the feedback, we can go ahead with a full application for the site.

He hopes to submit a full application by the end of October.

If approved, works could begin in 2027.

Mr Thompson said: "I am feeling positive.

"The thing we want to achieve is a high-end rural business park with upmarket office space in a fantastic location.

"I’m very choosey about the type of tenants we want here, to maintain high end."

He also plans to upgrade the section of the Essex Way footpath that runs through the site.

Mr Thompson said: "It’s quite famous, and we’re going to upgrade the whole footpath which comes across our site.

"So it will make it a great walk for people coming from Ford Street or even from Halstead, and of course, they can pop in and buy fresh bread and have a coffee at Mill Race Moto."

The upgraded path will improve public access and enhance the surrounding area.

Mill Race Moto, a bakery and café, is the anchor tenant in the 8,000 sq ft main building and opened on September 16.

Businessman - David Thompson (Image: Sarah Chambers)

On display - motorbikes (Image: NQ)

Bakery and cafe - Mill Race Moto (Image: NQ)

The business is run by Essex hospitality experts Stewart Fairbrass, 47, and Dan Johnson-Allen, 53, both of whom have worked with London’s Bike Shed Motorcycle Club.

Classic motorbikes and cars are displayed throughout the building.

Mr Thompson said: "I am impressed with the whole impact of it, the food, and all the locals coming down.

"We have people in their teens and early 20s from Aldham working here.

"We’ve already created jobs for people in the locality and this is what Mill Race Business Park wants to achieve, getting employment for locals."

Other ideas for the site include a children’s nursery and a wellness area, though plans for padel courts were dropped earlier this year.