A LUXURY jewellery retailer is set to open a new store inside a long-standing empty unit in Colchester High Street, creating ten new jobs.
Emson Haig has applied for planning permission to revamp a vacant unit in High Street, creating a new store for the brand.
The unit was the old home of clothing retailer Oasis but has sat empty since January 2017 when the firm left the town.
The application proposes a number of changes to the shopfront in preparation for the new business moving in.
It states: "The property part retains the former retail brands store front that was a painted timber clad facade with framed clear glazing. The store front is in poor condition.
"The application is to propose a new Portland stone store front with framed windows, fascias and store risers in an anodised metal finish.
"New security rated glazing will be installed as the retail unit will become a luxury watch and jewellery store for Emson Haig jewellers.
"New storefront brand names for 'Emson Haig' and 'Rolex' will be applied to the fascia and forms part of this application."
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According to the application the new shop will create seven part-time and three full-time jobs.
Emson Haig is an independent jeweller which set up its first store 25-years-ago at Lakeside.
Darius Laws, Colchester Council's business boss, said the brand's arrival in Colchester was good news for the town.
"It is great news and it challenges the idea some people have that town centres are dead," he said.
"They are not dead they are just different.
"This does suggest there will always be a role for retail in the town centre but it will be the kind of retailer. Ones which is quite expensive selling things you want to go look at.
"Some people will not spend £500 on an item online without seeing something in the flesh.
"It is great to see an empty unit being brought back to life and it is a big unit in the high street. I wish the new business every success."
The old Oasis unit has been the talk of much speculation since the fashion brand left.
Byron Burger was supposed to be opening inside the premises, however, the chain pulled out.
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