RESTAURANTS and retail units at a £5.5million redevelopment of a former city centre Co-op are still not filled nearly four years after work was completed. 

Work on the former East of England Co-op, in Long Wyre Street, was completed at the end of 2020. 

At the time, the plans were to have five new restaurants, and two shop spaces created in the building, alongside 24 new flats.

The Romano Lounge opened as the flagship restaurant and was joined by kids event and party space Si5 Spy Missions. 

A total of 24 one and two-bed apartments have also been created.

But the Gazette can revealed five units remain unoccupied at what is now known as Foundation House.

Building - Foundation House before the ground floor space became the Romano LoungeBuilding - Foundation House before the ground floor space became the Romano Lounge (Image: Anglia Picture Agency)

Since the Co-op closed in 2014, its owner, The East of England Co-op was seeking to reinvigorate the building through a £5.5 million revamp.

It was announced in 2021 that restaurant business Loungers, had become the anchor tenants at the development with the opening of the Romano Lounge.

Commercial property management business, Whybrow, has the units listed for rent for undisclosed fee. 

The smallest available unit is 1,536sq ft and the largest is 11,733sq ft.

According to Whybrow, some of Foundation House’s key features include its “prime city centre location”, accommodation being available on the ground and first floors, and they are suitable for various uses.

A spokesperson for the East of England Co-op said: “We have multiple units available for lease at Foundation House, located in the heart of Colchester on Long Wyre Street.

“This prime location is anchored by the Romano Lounge bar and restaurant, providing a steady stream of foot traffic.

“Foundation House also features residential units above, providing an in-built community and customer base.

How the Foundation House redevelopment was expected to lookHow the Foundation House redevelopment was expected to look

“Plus, the adjacent St Nicholas Square is scheduled for refurbishment by the council, promising to provide more appeal to the area.”

Colchester Council leader Councillor David King believes the whole St Nicholas Square development will bring new opportunities for businesses and events in the area.

He said: “St Nicholas Square, alongside the digital creative hub, is the result of years of planning, and it's fantastic to witness the start of work, the beginning of significant regeneration in our city centre.

“I am confident the newly improved public square will be beloved by locals and visitors alike, providing opportunities for businesses and events.”