LONG-AWAITED works are finally underway to demolish an eyesore in the centre of Colchester.

The former Magdalen Street bus depot is being pulled down after years of complaints of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the area.

However, while the main structure on the site and smaller outbuildings are to be demolished, historic features – including the front elevation of the building to Military Road, sections of historic tram track and the Colchester borough coat of arms plaque – will be retained.

These features will be incorporated into the design of Victoria Hall Management Limited’s student accommodation plans which have been given the go-ahead.

Kevin Warr, senior development manager from Victoria Hall Management Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to commence demolition of the existing buildings and to start work on this exciting new project to regenerate a long-standing vacant site within the town.

“Every effort has been made to ensure neighbours and businesses will be impacted as little as possible during what is a complex demolition process and we would like to thank them in advance for their ongoing co-operation and support.”

The works are planned to take about four weeks to complete.

David King (Lib Dem), Colchester councillor responsible for resources, said: “This demolition work is a notable milestone in the redevelopment of this area of Magdalen Street.

“The former bus depot has been derelict for a number of years and is an eyesore.

“The work has been carefully planned to create the minimum of disruption, and is a positive step towards the exciting planned development which will undoubtedly breathe new life into the site and nearby area.”

Victoria Hall Management wants to create the flats across three four-storey blocks.

Plans to build 230 student homes at the depot, which was last used by First Essex to store its fleet, were approved by the planning committee in 2016.

There are some reservations over plans, considering more student accommodation has been planned for Colchester’s Cultural Quarter.

Colchester’s High Steward Sir Bob Russell had slammed the plans, saying they feature too many flats, and they are too tall and too ugly for the area.

However, the demolition of the former bus depot is welcome, as there has been a number of serious fires reported at the depot since 2017.

The fires are believed to have been started by rough sleepers trying to take shelter there.

The most recent was in October and council bosses pledged to speed up plans as a result.