Work at a multi-million-pound housing development in Colchester continues to be at a standstill despite promises that progress would happen earlier this year. 

Four former office blocks, which are set to be turned into 93 flats as part of a £5.2million regeneration scheme at Riverside Office Centre, off North Station Road, seem to have been left untouched. 

The project started in 2022 and was due for completion in May 2023. 

However, work was delayed, with the completion date pushed back further and the scheme grinding to a halt in 2023. 

Flats - The offices were set to be turned into almost 100 flatsFlats - The offices were set to be turned into almost 100 flats (Image: Public)

Visually, the site has not changed since then, leaving councillors worried. 

Castle ward councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor said: “I’m not surprised there has been very little movement here. 

“This project has faced a lot of local opposition and I have serious concerns whether the flats will be suitable. 

“The council has almost no control over what is done and I think it is done for the profit of the people who own the property, without considering what type of houses are needed in Colchester. 

Concernd - Castle ward councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor has serious concerns about the projectConcerned - Castle ward councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor has serious concerns about the project (Image: Newsquest)

“It is a big part of my objection - to change the planning system.” 

Mr Kirkby-Taylor also questioned the flats’ “habitable quality”, blaming changes made by the previous Conservative Government. 

Work on the mix of single, two and three-bedroom flats, as well as six studios, was meant to resume in mid April. 

Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell said: “At around this time last year, all work on converting four office blocks into flats stopped. This is thus the first anniversary of nothing happening. 

Disappointed - Sir Bob Russell is disappointed about the lack of progressDisappointed - Sir Bob Russell is disappointed about the lack of progress (Image: Newsquest)

“Announcements to you of work starting at different times earlier this year have all proved to be false. Nothing has happened.” 

Recent images from the end of July show the buildings - Fairfax House, Century House North, Century House South and Digby House - have not changed since workers downed tools several months ago. 

The developer has been contacted by the Gazette regarding an update on the project, but has not responded to the enquiry.