WORK has started on the create of a new community hub as part of a 1,600 development.

Construction work has started on the new plaza at the Chesterwell development in Mile End, Colchester.

It will include an East of England Co-op, office space, a cafe, nursery, primary and secondary school as well as a landscaped area for residents to enjoy.

Mersea Homes says work has now started on the long-awaited plaza, with construction of the Co-op underway.

The firm posted on Facebook: "The start of Chesterwell Plaza is currently underway with the first instalment of the metal framework for the new East of England CO-OP superstore.

"But this is just the beginning. Chesterwell Plaza will consist of first-class community facilities, including retail space, office space, a café, nursery, primary and secondary school and a landscaped plaza."

The 6,000 sq ft Co-op is set to be complete this year.

  • How Chesterwell Plaza could look once complete

Work began on the Chesterwell development in 2015, with construction consisting of seven phases and 1,600 homes.

As well as the supermarket, the site will include a community centre as well as primary and secondary schools, a sports hall and a shopping centre.

  • The completed Co-op store

Secondary school Trinity Academy, which is set to take 180 pupils per year, is expected to open in 2022.

For updates about the development, visit www.facebook.com/merseahomes.

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