WORK has resumed at a multi-million pound housing development which ground to a halt for months, the Gazette understands.

The redevelopment of the Riverside Office Centre site, off North Station Road, Colchester, has concerned nearby residents after work appeared to have stopped in the second half of last year.

Work started on transforming the site into 93 flats in 2022 but the buildings were left exposed to the elements after construction workers downed tools several months ago.

The Gazette understands work to clean up the site has started in recent weeks, with a view to construction work resuming next month.

Gazette: Derelict - the site was left empty for several monthsDerelict - the site was left empty for several months (Image: Newsquest)

'Positive sign'

City centre councillor Steph Nissen says she understands Convivia, the company which owns the site, is in the process of bringing new contractors on board.

“New contractors are coming in to sort it all out and then get work started again,” she said.

“They don’t have a specific start date but they are finalising the arrangements with the new contractors and are aiming to start in February.

“There’s been some work and assessments on the site over the last week or so which is a positive sign.”

Gazette: Positive - city centre councillor Steph Nissen outside the Riverside Office CentrePositive - city centre councillor Steph Nissen outside the Riverside Office Centre (Image: Steph Nissen)

Ms Nissen praised the efforts of members of the CO1 North Residents’ Association, including its chairman Anna Bolton, for pushing for site bosses to act.

But the Castle ward councillor has said a systemic change is needed to ensure planning authorities can take enforcement action when the brakes are pulled on huge developments like this one.

Ms Bolton previously said she feared Colchester Council was “washing their hands” of the problem after failing to secure a meeting with the landowner.

Gazette: Scheme - the Riverside Office Centre is due to be converted into 93 flatsScheme - the Riverside Office Centre is due to be converted into 93 flats (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Nissen added: “I get Anna’s frustration with the council but the council has done its best within the remit of what it’s able to do under its current power.

“We need to give local councils the power to be able to hold developers to account.”

The blueprints to convert the buildings – Century House North, Century House South, Fairfax House, and Digby House – into flats were first submitted to Colchester Council in 2021.