FLATS, a gym and shops are set to be built in Colchester’s so-called Cultural Quarter after long-running plans were finally approved by council chiefs.
A mixed-use development of 31 new self-contained homes spread across three storeys will be built in Priory Walk and Queen Street.
New shops and a gym will also be constructed after planning bosses at Colchester Council gave the blueprints the nod.
Buildings impacted by the development include 17 to 26 Priory Walk and 20 to 28 Queen Street, including the demolition of one unoccupied facility.
To make way for the gym, the subdivisions between the former Superdrug and the Peacocks premises will be removed to form a larger, single space.
A planning statement reads: “Our aim is to increase the extent of active frontages and hopefully improve footfall along Queen Street and Priory Walk, with the ambition of promoting the vitality of the city centre.
Read more: Missing couple spotted in Colchester and Harwich are arrested by the police
“While the bus station was in this area the precinct experienced some prosperity, but now with the bus station relocated, footfall through the area has been drastically curtailed with resulting empty shops and a spiral of decline.
“We strongly believe the proposals offer a viable opportunity for regeneration of a strategic site in a way consistent with the council’s aims and objectives.”
Developer Clarehouse Developments Ltd initially sought after permission to build 37 flats at the site.
However, this was scaled back to 31 after the application attracted a tidal wave of objections.
One objector said: “The reduction of 37 to 31 units is not enough. [It is] still overbearing and blunt in design.
For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our court and crime newsletter here.
“Colchester deserves better than this to live with for the next 50 years.”
A Colchester Civic Society spokesman said members “appreciate that this scheme offers a frontage to Queen Street”.
He added: “[This is] a considerable improvement on the existing and offers some balance with the historic survivors of the neighbourhood.
“The question remains, is this the correct approach to reusing the site in view of current appreciation of housing needs?”
We passionately believe in providing unrivalled quality journalism and value for money.
With a digital subscription, you can access our exclusive, insightful and trustworthy local news from just £1 a week.
If you are not already subscribing, sign up today to get instant access to our trusted local coverage - and an ad-light experience - check what package works best for you here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel