5 empty buildings in Colchester which are being brought back to life

Change is happening at a rapid pace, with the Covid pandemic accelerating some of these changes.

But the new developments, of which there are many, aren't always entirely new.

Some mean the revamp and regeneration of existing buildings in the town.

Most recently it was announced the former Ice nightclub, in St Helen's Lane, would once again become an entertainment venue.

Here are five empty buildings in Colchester which are set to be brought back to life:

Old Ice nightclub, St Helen's Lane

5 empty buildings in Colchester which are being brought back to life

Solo Summers has signed a short lease on the old home of Ice, in St Helen’s Lane, in the Dutch Quarter.

Ian Saunders, who set up Solo Summers in memory of late wife Solo, was knocked back in his bid last year to take over the old Embassy Suite, in Balkerne Hill (more on that later).

The new St Helen’s Lane venue will host gigs, DJ nights, burlesque, comedy and dancing.

The venue’s website is set to launch this week with details of forthcoming events.

The first bookings include a drum and bass event with Rough Tempo Radio and a drag competition/rainbow dance party hosted by Colchester Pride.

Read more >>> Old Ice nightclub in Colchester to reopen as entertainment venue

Former pharmacy, London Road, Marks Tey

5 empty buildings in Colchester which are being brought back to life

Essex Beauty Training Academy has applied to Colchester Council for a change of use of the building.

It used to be home to Marks Tey Pharmacy but now lies empty.

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans.

Read more >>> Plans to turn Marks Tey building into beauty training school

The Embassy Suite, Balkerne Hill

5 empty buildings in Colchester which are being brought back to life

Plans to turn the former venue, most recently a Chinese buffet, into a new church have been approved.

World Mission Agency, known as Winners Chapel International, has received planning permission to convert the site.

Once complete it will accommodate more than 160 adults and children.

Downstairs a children’s church would be created along with new toilet facilities and offices.

The first floor would house a youth church and main auditorium with an elevated alter, while on the top floor there would be further toilets and offices.

Read more >>> Plans to revive Embassy in Colchester as church are approved

Old Homebase store, St Andrew's Avenue

Lidl wants to convert the former Homebase in St Andrew's Avenue

Lidl is opening its third store in the town inside the former Homebase unit, in St Andrew's Avenue.

Work has begun after a planning application, also featuring a Subway and Costa, was approved.

The final works at the store are expected to take six months with a view to opening this winter.

It is predicted the store will create about 40 jobs when it opens its doors and the 1,370m² shop will feature an in-store bakery and ample parking.

Read more >>> Colchester Lidl: Works underway to furnish new store

Former Garrison Gym, Circular Road South

5 empty buildings in Colchester which are being brought back to life

The C3 Church has taken over the premises and has now launched in Colchester.

Also know as the Abbey Fields Centre, it was most recently used by the Mercury Theatre as a rehearsal space.

The building dates back to 1860 and was passed to the council from the MoD 11 years ago to be preserved for the benefit of residents.

A planning application has been submitted for changes to the premises.

Read more >>> The C3 Church set to take over old garrison gym in Colchester