Empty Colchester offices becoming 'hotbed of antisocial behaviour'

Residents have been compiling evidence to show the serious nature of the neglect of four empty block of offices at the Riverside Office Centre, off North Station Road, in Colchester.

Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell has heeded residents’ calls for help and has raised the issue with the relevant authorities.

He hopes by raising awareness the buildings’ private owners can be shamed into taking action.

'Neglected' empty office blocks becoming a 'hotbed for antisocial behaviour'

Sir Bob said: “Security fences have been breached.

“It seems access to one or more of the blocks has been made, because the parking area under one block has several fire extinguishers dumped on the floor, a large amount of toilet paper some of which has been set on fire, and numerous empty drinks cans.

“On behalf of residents I have sent photographs to Castle ward borough councillors Simon Crow, Mark Goacher and Steph Nissen; Colchester Planning Office; and Colchester MP Will Quince with a request that they chase the owners to act responsibly in the stewardship of the site.”

'Neglected' empty office blocks becoming a 'hotbed for antisocial behaviour'

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Both Essex Police and the East of England Ambulance Service have been called to the site due to incidents of antisocial behaviour with residents reporting issues with street drinking and drug-taking.

Convivia Construction Limited has applied for prior approval to change the use of part of the Riverside Office Centre to homes.

'Neglected' empty office blocks becoming a 'hotbed for antisocial behaviour'

If the proposals are approved Century House, Fairfax House and Digby House could be turned in 93 flats.

Sir Bob said: “The public purse is having to fund the consequences of lack of security and stewardship of the site.

“If this is the level of concern and management which the owners of these office buildings have for those who live near the site, or who run businesses in North Station Road, then it does not bode well for the future with the proposals to convert the office blocks into 93 dwellings which it has been stated will be for social housing.”

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: "We are aware of ongoing issues around the Riverside Office Centre and are supporting the police to deter crime and antisocial behaviour in the area and reassure residents.

“We are also in the process of contacting the owners to direct them to clean and secure the site to minimise the impact redevelopment of the building is having on residents and neighbouring properties.”

Essex Police and Conviva Construction limited were both contacted for comment but did not respond by the time of going to press.