THE firm behind the controversial development of Colchester's cultural quarter has hit back at criticisms levelled by the town's MP Will Quince.

Earlier this week Mr Quince voiced his concerns over Alumno's proposed redevelopment of land off Queen Street, considered part of the town's so-call cultural quarter.

The plans are set to demolish a disused bus station and transform it into a new hotel and student accommodation as well as retail units.

Will Quince. Picture: Nikki Powell

Concerned - Colchester's MP Will Quince. Picture: Nikki Powell

Mr Quince said he has been left "confused and frustrated" by the £1 million Colchester Council has agreed for the lease with Alumno for 250 years, citing it represents poor value for money for taxpayers.

From a design perspective, he said the proposed development would not compliment the the multi-million pound art gallery Firstsite designed by famous architect Rafael Vinoly.

He also fears the development would "neglect" Colchester's heritage as it risks piling through 32 square metres of Roman archaeology and impacting the aesthetics of the town's 2,000 year old Roman wall with the installation of an access ramp.

However, David Campbell, managing director of Alumno, said Mr Quince voiced no objections to the scheme during meetings in Parliament.

“We are disappointed with Mr Quince's comments, particularly as we had two productive meetings with him in Parliament to discuss the development," Mr Campbell said.

"During the meetings he voiced no objections to the scheme.

"We asked for his thoughts on the plans and in particular gave him the opportunity to consider the ground floor proposals for community use.

"He did not come back to us with any feedback or an ideas for this space."

Both meetings were minuted and formed part of the in-depth consultation process Alumno undertook.

Gazette:

Accommodation - what the student accommodation is set to look like on completion 

Mr Campbell added: “The scheme was deemed acceptable and approved by an independent government planning inspector following an exhaustive and robust hearing.

“We are continuing to progress the plans with a view to commencing work this summer, and, as with all our projects, we are seeking to work in collaboration with local residents, be a good neighbour and put placemaking at the centre of our plans."