A CHARITY-run wellness centre for multiple sclerosis patients which was closed because of the financial impact of coronavirus is set to be turned into flats.

Josephs Court, in Hythe Quay, was run by Colchester-based charity MS-UK until October, when it was forced to close due to the charity's worsening finances.

The charity also closed its offices at next door Unsworth House, saying Covid had accelerated its move towards providing digital services for patients.

MS-UK has now confirmed it has accepted a conditional offer for the sale of both buildings to Lexden Restorations, a Colchester development business which specialises in reviving historic buildings.

The firm has submitted a planning application to Colchester Council, asking for permission to turn the properties into six flats.

If plans are approved there will be two flats created inside Josephs Court and four inside Unsworth House.

Both properties were being marketed online in October for £540,000 in total.

Funds from the sale will go towards keeping the charity going, with it being forced to cancel most of its fundraisers over the past year.

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Amy Woolf, chief executive of MS-UK, said: "We are pleased to have accepted a conditional offer from Lexden Restorations on the sale of our buildings.

"Their plans will add to the continued regeneration of the local area.

“2021 is set to be our most challenging year, as mass participation fundraising events continue to be cancelled.

"We are pleased the sale will mean we will still be here to support people affected by multiple sclerosis to live happier and healthier lives.”

Josephs Court opened in 2012 after a donation of £100,000 from long-time supporters, the Josephs family.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds more in funding has been secured over the years including individual fundraisers in order to run the centre and purchase state-of-the-art equipment to assist people with MS.

The charity says the equipment will be put to good use elsewhere.

To support the charity, visit www.ms-uk.org.