A former football ground, which once served as the home for one of the longest-established clubs in the EFL, has been rebuilt into a housing estate.

Nonetheless, local councils ensured that a small grassy area representing the former center circle was maintained as a nod to the iconic venue.

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The stadium bore witness to many exhilarating moments, from promotions to heart-wrenching relegations.

Opened in 1907, Layer Road stood for an impressive 101 years before its closure in 2008 and subsequent demolition in 2012.

At its capacity, it welcomed up to 19,000 passionate supporters.

However, by the time it shuttered in July 2008 over safety issues, its numbers had dwindled to just 6,320.

Layer Road was the proud home ground for League Two club Colchester United for an impressive 71 years.

Initially, the venue was utilized by the British Army and amateur club Colchester Town up until 1937.

Colchester United assumed control two years ahead of the Second World War.

A record-setting crowd of 19,072 fans attended an FA Cup game against Reading in 1948, which was ultimately halted due to fog.

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In the years that followed, Colchester United oscillated between the Third and Fourth Divisions, battling against escalating debts.

By 1981, chairman Maurice Cadman revealed that Layer Road required £280,000 for essential safety enhancements to meet regulations.

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Amidst financial turmoil, portions of the ground were closed, shrinking the capacity to 4,500.

During the 1990-91 season, Colchester United was forced to sell Layer Road back to the Borough Council for £1.2 million to alleviate club debts.

The council began exploring possibilities for a new stadium site while Colchester momentarily exited the Football League between 1989 and 1991.

Today, visitors to the area will encounter an entirely transformed scene—a lovely residential housing development.

The last first-team match at Layer Road occurred on April 26, 2008, where Colchester lost 1–0 to Stoke City, who were in the pursuit of promotion.

Richard Cresswell scored the final professional goal at the stadium.

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As of 2008, the U’s had reached the Championship but were relegated during their last season at Layer Road.

In 2011, Colchester Borough Council sold the 3.63-acre stadium site to developer Abbey New Homes for about £1.5 million.

Planning was granted for the construction of 58 homes, which include both flats and houses, while honoring the area’s football heritage by preserving a central grassy park.

This gesture was particularly meaningful for supporters who had their ashes scattered on the pitch, signifying their lifelong connection with the club.

By mid-2012, Layer Road was demolished, and the building of the new houses began right away.

A bronze statue commemorating Colchester United’s ‘Player of the Century’, Peter Wright, was unveiled in 2015.

Wright, who joined the team in 1951, played over 400 matches and netted 93 goals during his 13 years with the club.

The inscription on the statue reads: “ON THIS SITE Football was played 1907-2008. This was the home of Colchester United FC from its inception in 1937 until 26th April 2008.”

Now, the road and square leading from Layer Road are referred to as Turnstile Square.

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