REPAIRS are set to get underway at a city centre building which was left damaged after a fire broke out on the premises last summer.

St John’s Street was closed in May last year as firefighters from Colchester, Wivenhoe, Chelmsford, and Coggeshall attended a fire on the roof which covered Jenkins Café and Sam’s Convenience Store.

A planning application has now been submitted to Colchester City Council so the roof on the three-storey, Grade II listed building can be repaired, and any materials damaged by the fire replaced.

The buildings were left damaged by smoke and smoke residue. 

In a design, access, and heritage statement, water damage was also detailed as a key issue affecting the roof.

As the building is Grade II listed, certain requirements have to be met to ensure the style of the building is in keeping with other addresses in the area.

Gazette: Jenkins Café and a convenience store were affected by the fire which took place last summerJenkins Café and a convenience store were affected by the fire which took place last summer (Image: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service)

A line in the planning proposal read: “The proposals will restore the integrity of the listed building.”

Plans show smoke residue is to be removed using approved brickwork cleaners, with the walls at the front of the shop to be redecorated; the front windows will be reglazed, and a new hardwood timber door will be fitted.

Jenkins Café and Restaurant announced its temporary closure back in June.

Gazette: Jenkins Café and Restaurant, in St John’s Street, Colchester, was closed so repairs could take placeJenkins Café and Restaurant, in St John’s Street, Colchester, was closed so repairs could take place (Image: Newsquest)

In a message last year Nasuh Kahraman, owner of the café since 2010, said: “Dear friends and customers, due to the fire damaged roof we have had to temporarily close.

“As soon as the roof has been repaired we will be re-opening – in approximately six months - see you all soon.

“If you would like to visit us at our Station Café in Harwich we would love to see you.”

The latest incident involving Jenkins Cafe’s roof comes after it was also destroyed back in March 2021 as a result of heavy winds.

Overnight gales had caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage and Essex Police even had to install a cordon around the premises to keep the public at a safe.

Similar to the most recent closure, Mr Kahraman had to shut the café so repairs could be made to the building’s roof, before reopening two months later.