- Home of the Anti-Loo Roll Brigade
Welcome to the Stanway
Lakelands Centre
A community centre in Stanway, Colchester – with an inclusive playground, fresh cafe food, hall hire and events all year round.
Cafe open Mon–Sat 09:00–16:30 Sun 09:00–16:00 · Western Approach, Stanway, Colchester CO3 8DX
A community centre with heart
The Lakelands Centre is run by the Anti-Loo Roll Brigade – A Community Interest Company providing a welcoming, inclusive destination for families, children, carers, and the local community.
Our inclusive playground offers a safe and exciting place for children of all abilities to play, explore, and have fun together.
Whether you’re planning a family day out or meeting friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Visit our friendly family cafe, serving a delicious selection of freshly prepared hot and cold food, homemade cakes, tempting ice creams, hot drinks, and refreshing cold beverages throughout the day.
We are also home to a fully registered Changing Places facility, providing accessible toilet and changing facilities for people with complex disabilities, helping everyone enjoy a comfortable visit.
Looking for a venue? Our spacious hall is available to hire for children’s birthday parties, family celebrations, community groups, meetings, and special events.
Throughout the year we host a variety of family events, seasonal celebrations, and community activities. During selected events, our licensed bar is open for adults to relax and enjoy while the children have fun. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in our outdoor seating areas, provided they remain on a lead.
Whether you’re looking for an inclusive playground, a family-friendly cafe, cakes and ice creams, an accessible venue, or a party hall for hire, the Lakelands Centre is the perfect place to visit.
Fresh food from our 5★ kitchen
Our Community Impact
The Anti-Loo Roll Brigade Community Interest Company is proud to make a positive difference by providing an inclusive, welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities can come together.
Our Lakelands Centre is more than just a place to visit – it’s a community hub that encourages play, friendship, wellbeing, and social connection.
Our fully accessible inclusive playground enables children of all abilities to play side by side, helping to break down barriers and promote understanding from an early age. Families can also benefit from our Changing Places facility, ensuring that people with complex disabilities have access to safe, dignified, and accessible amenities.
Beyond the playground, our welcoming family cafe supports the local community by offering freshly prepared meals, cakes, ice creams, and drinks in a friendly environment where families, carers, and friends can relax together.
We also provide affordable hall hire for birthday parties, community groups, workshops, and local events, helping organisations and residents connect throughout the year.
As a Community Interest Company, every visit helps support our mission to improve community wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and create opportunities for everyone to participate.
Through regular family events, inclusive activities, and partnerships with local organisations, we continue to build a stronger, more connected community where everyone feels valued, welcomed, and included. By choosing to visit the Lakelands Centre, you’re not only enjoying a fantastic family day out, you’re also supporting a community organisation dedicated to making a lasting positive impact for local people.
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Fresh
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Community Centre Facilites
Everything You Need for the Perfect Family Day Out – All in One Place.
Inclusive Park
A purpose-built playground designed to be safe, fun and educational for all needs - swings, slides, sand and sensory play.
Hall Hire
Our large hall hosts parties, dance classes, choirs, fitness and more - warm in winter, chilled in summer.
Changing Places
A fully registered Changing Places facility, so everyone can visit with confidence and comfort.
Free Parking
Free customer parking right at the centre, with easy access from Western Approach.
Fresh Food Cafe
Freshly prepared food from our 5★ rated kitchen - plus cakes, ice creams and a licensed bar.
Meeting Rooms
Bright, air-conditioned upstairs spaces for meetings, interviews and away days, with catering available.
Eat & Drink At Our Cafe
Freshly prepared in our 5★ rated kitchen — cooked breakfasts, paninis, jacket potatoes, a children’s menu and daily specials, plus hot drinks, cakes, ice creams and a licensed bar.
Play, Party & Hire Our Hall
Explore our Inclusive Playground, use our registered Changing Places, or hire the large Hall for parties and events. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads around the centre outside.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
“The inclusive playground is a game-changer for our family. My son can finally play safely alongside everyone else – we come every single week.”
“Booked the hall for my 40th and it was perfect. The team went above and beyond, the food was gorgeous and the bar was buzzing all night.”
Get in touch
Everything You Need in One Place
Whether you’re visiting for a family day out, hiring a venue, enjoying a meal in our café, or attending one of our community events, Lakelands Centre offers a welcoming space for everyone. We’re proud to provide facilities and activities that bring people together all year round.
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Be the first to hear about upcoming events, family activities, cafe specials, community news, and everything happening at Lakelands Centre. Follow us on social media and never miss a moment.
HOLD YOUR EVENT IN OUR GREAT HALL
Catering, free parking, a licenced bar – and a team that loves a party. Speak to us about your requirements.